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McConnell Discharged, Works From Home; Proxy Vote Nullified

8/8/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Center

McConnell Discharged

Sen. Mitch McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center on Thursday and will work from home during his recovery.
The Senate Agriculture Committee ruled his proxy vote invalid, leaving the farm bill dead in committee.
He has missed 51 Senate floor votes so far since his June 14 hospitalization.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged McConnell to prove he can serve or resign.

Right

McConnell Home-Work

Senator Mitch McConnell was discharged from a rehab facility and will work from home.
His continued absence leaves Republicans short of votes for President Donald Trump’s Save America Act and threatens acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation.
McConnell said he will follow an intensive home-based physical-therapy regimen while performing Senate duties.
He was first hospitalized on June 14 after a fall.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Senator Ted Kennedy’s brain tumor kept him off the Senate floor while the Obama administration advanced the Affordable Care Act. The 47-year veteran, who had earlier helped pass the 1996 HIPAA and 1997 SCHIP reforms, forced Democrats to use proxy votes, recalling earlier episodes when his illness limited his legislative role.

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McConnell Discharged

Sen. Mitch McConnell was discharged from a rehabilitation center on Thursday and will work from home during his recovery.
The Senate Agriculture Committee ruled his proxy vote invalid, leaving the farm bill dead in committee.
He has missed 51 Senate floor votes so far since his June 14 hospitalization.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged McConnell to prove he can serve or resign.

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