Story perspectives

McConnell misses 60 votes, set to return September 14

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Mitch McConnell has missed 60 Senate roll-call votes since his June 14 hospitalization.
His absence caused the Agriculture Committee’s farm bill to lose a 10-11 vote in August.
After 53 days in rehabilitation, he was discharged and is recovering at his Washington home while engaged with Senate business.
His office gave no return date, but staff said he should be back by the Senate reconvening on Sept. 14.

History

Historical Context

In 2007-2008 Senator John McCain missed 42 consecutive Senate votes while campaigning, and his July 14 2017 brain-tumor surgery forced Mitch McConnell to postpone the Better Care Reconciliation Act. Those episodes show how senior senators’ health can stall key legislation, prompting calls for Senate contingency measures such as proxy voting or temporary chair assignments.

1 of 2

Story summary

Sen. Mitch McConnell has missed 60 Senate roll-call votes since his June 14 hospitalization.
His absence caused the Agriculture Committee’s farm bill to lose a 10-11 vote in August.
After 53 days in rehabilitation, he was discharged and is recovering at his Washington home while engaged with Senate business.
His office gave no return date, but staff said he should be back by the Senate reconvening on Sept. 14.

1 / 2