Mitch McConnell made more while missing from the Senate than many Kentuckians earn all year
WASHINGTON, DC: Mitch McConnell has collected $43,500 in taxpayer-funded salary during 92 days away from the Senate, an amount exceeding Kentucky's $35,821 per capita income, according to Census Bureau data.
The 84-year-old Republican has missed 60 recorded votes since his hospitalization in June, while his office has continued to say he remains engaged in Senate business remotely.
As the chamber reconvened Monday after a five-week recess, it remained unclear whether McConnell would return to Washington.
A 92-day absence from Washington
McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after suffering a fall at his Washington home.
In a July statement to constituents, he said he had been briefly unconscious and later developed a mild case of pneumonia.
He said doctors found no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor or hemorrhage.
McConnell subsequently moved to a rehabilitation center and was discharged in August to continue recovering at home.
His office has said he continues working with staff and colleagues on Senate matters.
However, McConnell has not appeared publicly since his hospitalization, and his return date has remained uncertain.
The senator has not participated in an in-person Senate vote since June 11, making this his longest absence from the chamber.
Kentucky Rep James Comer said he expected McConnell to return when the Senate resumed, but acknowledged that he had not spoken directly with him.
Sixty votes passed without him
During his absence, McConnell missed 60 recorded Senate votes, including votes involving judicial nominations, housing, Medicare procedures, immigration, and legislation connected to the war in Iran.
The extended absence comes during McConnell's final months in office.
The seven-term senator announced earlier that he would not seek reelection and plans to leave the Senate when his current term ends in January.
McConnell first entered the Senate in 1985 and became the longest-serving party leader in its history, leading Senate Republicans from 2007 until 2025.
His final term has been marked by repeated health concerns, including falls and mobility difficulties linked to childhood polio.
Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear has also called for greater transparency, arguing that Kentuckians deserve more information about their senator's ability to continue serving.
What Kentucky voters are paying
McConnell earns an annual Senate salary of $174,000, meaning his compensation continued during his recovery.
At that rate, his pay over the 92-day period reached approximately $43,500.
The Census Bureau lists Kentucky's per capita income at $35,821 for 2020-2024.
The comparison means McConnell received more in salary during his time away from Senate votes than that statewide per capita figure for an entire year.
McConnell's staff has also remained in place during his absence.
An analysis of Senate payroll data estimated that his approximately 40 staff members received nearly $894,000 in combined pre-tax compensation over the same period.
McConnell continues to hold his Senate seat and says he intends to finish his term, but each missed vote leaves constituents without his participation on the Senate floor.
