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McConnell Returns, Restores 12-11 GOP Majority for Farm Bill

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 12:43 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Therapy Enables Tough Votes

Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the U.S. Senate on Monday and cast his first vote since his June fall.
The Republican 12-11 majority was restored, enabling the Agriculture Committee’s upcoming farm-bill markup.
McConnell voted to advance Matthew Byrne’s nomination as U.S. district judge for Ohio’s Southern District.
He said recovery is long, frustrating, and will continue therapy to attend future tough votes.

Left

Absenteeism Triggers Outcry

Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the U.S. Senate on Monday, casting his first vote since his June 14 hospitalization.
Critics said nearly $894 k in staff pay and his $43.5 k salary during a 92-day absence burden taxpayers and spur calls for term limits.
He missed over 60 roll-call votes and skipped Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral.
In an Agriculture meeting, he was confused, needed his name repeated, and gave an “aye.”

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Therapy Enables Tough Votes

Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the U.S. Senate on Monday and cast his first vote since his June fall.
The Republican 12-11 majority was restored, enabling the Agriculture Committee’s upcoming farm-bill markup.
McConnell voted to advance Matthew Byrne’s nomination as U.S. district judge for Ohio’s Southern District.
He said recovery is long, frustrating, and will continue therapy to attend future tough votes.

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