Story perspectives

McConnell Returns, Votes on Ohio Judge Confirmation

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 2:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Mitch McConnell cast his first Senate vote since his June 14 hospitalization.
He voted to confirm Matthew Byrne as U.S. district judge for Ohio.
He said he is not at 100% health but will work on the farm bill.
Gov. Andy Beshear called McConnell’s prolonged absence unacceptable and demanded more transparency about his condition.
During his three-month absence, McConnell continued receiving his $174,000 salary, about $45,000 in earned pay.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Senator Ted Kennedy returned to the U.S. Senate after a year-long cancer treatment, retaining his $174,000 annual salary. The Senate Ethics Committee reported that Kennedy earned $45,000 in accrued pay during his absence, while his staff continued constituent services. Similarly, today Senator Mitch McConnell resumed voting after a June 14 hospitalization, prompting Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky to demand transparency. These episodes illustrate how long-term health crises test congressional accountability, influencing future reforms on medical disclosures and salary policies.

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Story summary

Sen. Mitch McConnell cast his first Senate vote since his June 14 hospitalization.
He voted to confirm Matthew Byrne as U.S. district judge for Ohio.
He said he is not at 100% health but will work on the farm bill.
Gov. Andy Beshear called McConnell’s prolonged absence unacceptable and demanded more transparency about his condition.
During his three-month absence, McConnell continued receiving his $174,000 salary, about $45,000 in earned pay.

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