Mitch McConnell's return gets a new twist from GOP rep: 'I sure hope so'

WASHINGTON, DC: Kentucky Rep James Comer raised expectations that Senator Mitch McConnell could return when the Senate reconvenes, but McConnell’s office gave no firm date.

McConnell has been absent since June 14 while recovering after a fall, hospitalization, pneumonia, and rehabilitation.

Comer said that he had spoken regularly with McConnell’s staff about a possible return when Senators come back Monday after a five-week recess.

James Comer says he stays in touch with Mitch McConnell's staff

Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said he has not spoken directly with McConnell during the senator’s absence but communicates regularly with his staff, as per a report by CNN on Saturday, September 12.

“I expect that. I sure hope so,” Comer said when asked whether McConnell should be expected back for the Senate’s return.

Comer said McConnell’s staff had told him that returning to the Senate was their goal.

“I have not talked to Leader McConnell. I’ve talked to his staff, many of whom are from my district originally. And they have all said it’s their goal for Senator McConnell to be here when the Senate comes in,” he said.

But McConnell spokesperson Stephanie Penn did not confirm that timetable when CNN asked about Comer’s comments.

Penn said there were “no scheduling announcements at this time.”

The Senate is scheduled to return Monday after a five-week recess, leaving Comer’s expectation unconfirmed by McConnell’s office.

Mitch McConnell's health disclosures have been limited

McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after being taken by ambulance from his Capitol Hill home.

His office later disclosed that a fall caused the hospitalization, and McConnell said he had been briefly unconscious and also dealt with a mild case of pneumonia.

He later moved to a rehabilitation center and announced in early August that he had been discharged to continue recovering at home.

“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business,” McConnell said in a statement.

McConnell’s doctors confirmed he had not broken bones, suffered a concussion, had a heart attack or had a stroke, according to CNN.

A congressional physician described his injuries as “minor,” as per the outlet.

Senator McConnell has faced pressure for more transparency

His prolonged absence has fueled debate over how much information lawmakers should provide about health matters and their ability to represent constituents.

Project on Government Oversight Director of Advocacy Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette said elected officials retain some privacy around health matters but also have obligations to show up, as per the report. 

“You have many duties when you’re an elected official, a member of Congress, but one of the top-most is to show up, and in showing up you are providing representation for your constituents,” he said, adding that Kentucky currently has only half of its Senate representation.

Some Republicans have also urged McConnell’s team to provide more information.

Sen John Cornyn of Texas said on July 13, “I think we need some transparency. I wish Senator McConnell and his team had done that earlier. I think it would have resolved a lot of questions.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in July that McConnell and his team had been trusted to handle the situation, while adding that more information could help limit conspiracy theories circulating online.

McConnell, who plans to retire at the end of his term this coming January, has said he intends to finish the work he was elected to do.