Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said Thursday that he has been in contact with Sen. Mitch McConnell's staff, who have indicated the goal is for the Kentucky Republican to return to the Senate later this month when the chamber reconvenes.
McConnell, 84, suffered a fall in June and has been absent from the Senate since then. He was released from a rehabilitation center nearly a month ago, according to his office. The longtime senator, who first took office in 1985, announced earlier this year that he is not running for re-election this cycle.
"I expect that. I sure hope so," Comer said Thursday after being asked if McConnell was expected to join his Senate colleagues on Sept. 14, when the chamber is scheduled to return from its current recess.
Comer said McConnell's staff have told him "it's their goal for senator McConnell to be here… when the Senate" returns to Washington. The Senate is currently in a pro forma session period, with full sessions resuming Sept. 14 and one vote scheduled that evening at 5:30 p.m., according to the U.S. Senate Press Gallery website.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican allies of McConnell have expressed optimism about his recovery and anticipated return. Comer, who serves as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, voiced confidence that the minority leader would rejoin the chamber soon. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, had previously called on McConnell to address the public about his health and fitness to serve, suggesting the senator owes constituents clarity about his condition.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats have largely remained quiet publicly about McConnell's extended absence, though his health scare has raised questions about the future leadership of the Republican conference in the upper chamber. With McConnell not seeking another term, the party is already navigating a transition period ahead of the November elections. Some progressive observers have noted that McConnell's absence has created procedural challenges for GOP legislative priorities, particularly given the Senate's narrow party margins.
What the Numbers Show
McConnell has served in the Senate for approximately 39 years, making him one of the longest-serving senators in U.S. history. He became Senate majority leader in 2015 and minority leader after Democrats won control in 2021. The Kentucky Republican is not on the ballot this November, as he announced his retirement plans earlier this year.
The Senate is currently scheduled to return from recess Sept. 14 at 3:00 p.m., with a procedural vote set for 5:30 p.m. that evening. Pro forma sessions were held Sept. 8 and Sept. 10 during the break period.
The Bottom Line
McConnell's potential return would restore a key veteran voice to Senate Republican deliberations as the chamber approaches a busy legislative stretch following its recess. His continued absence has prompted questions about succession planning within the GOP conference, given his decision not to seek re-election. Fox News Digital reached out to McConnell's office for comment on his anticipated return date.