Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reached a new milestone in his prolonged absence from public view, with the 84-year-old Kentucky senator now away from Washington for two months after suffering a fall and being hospitalised.

McConnell was taken to a Washington hospital on June 14 after his team said he fell and briefly lost consciousness. Since then, he has remained largely out of the public eye, with his office releasing only two photographs and providing limited updates about his recovery.

His team said on August 6 that McConnell had been discharged from rehabilitation and was recovering at home. The statement said he would continue an intensive physical therapy programme while remaining engaged with Senate business.

However, there has been no recent public appearance or video update from McConnell, and he has not directly addressed Kentucky voters or spoken publicly to news organisations about his health.

McConnell Continues Recovery At Home

McConnell’s office has said he is continuing his recovery at his Washington residence. People associated with the senator, including his chief of staff Terry Carmack, have reportedly been seen entering and leaving the townhouse.

The senator’s office did not respond to questions about the progress of his recovery or how actively he is participating in Senate affairs.

McConnell’s prolonged absence has also raised questions about whether he will return to Washington when the Senate reconvenes in September following its five-week recess.

It remains unclear when he will return to the Capitol or whether he will be able to resume his normal schedule.

Allies Say They Have Spoken To McConnell

Although McConnell has not appeared publicly, several political figures have said they have spoken with him.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Whip John Barrasso have reportedly spoken with McConnell. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings, a former McConnell aide, also said the senator called him earlier this week.

Jennings said McConnell appeared to be doing better at home and that the two discussed Republican campaign prospects, including Senate races in Michigan and Maine.

Kentucky Officials Raise Concerns

McConnell’s limited communication has drawn criticism from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s office.

A spokesperson for the Democratic governor said McConnell had made no effort to communicate with either Beshear or the people of Kentucky.

The spokesperson said the governor hoped McConnell would make a full recovery but argued that Kentucky voters deserved to hear directly from their elected senator.

McConnell’s absence comes as the Senate continues its work without one of its longest-serving and most influential members physically present in Washington.

Despite his absence, McConnell continues to receive his Senate salary. Senators currently receive a base annual salary of $174,000.