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Sen. Mitch McConnell cleared to continue work after two freezing incidents


Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is cleared to continue work as normal after two occasions over the past two months in which he “froze” while answering questions from reporters, a congressional doctor said Thursday.


Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan said in a statement released by McConnell’s office that he had consulted with the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican and his neurology team and McConnell was “medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”


“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” Monahan noted.


The statement was released almost exactly 24 hours after McConnell triggered renewed speculation about his health by suffering an episode in his home state while answering a question about the prospects of him running for re-election in 2026.


“What are my thoughts about what?” McConnell asked during a media availability in Covington, Ky., near Cincinnati.


“Running for re-election in 2026,” a reporter answered. “Oh,” McConnell exclaimed before his eyes darted upward and he stared blankly into space.


“Did you hear the question, Senator? Running for re-election in 2026?” a woman standing next to McConnell said.


After about 30 seconds, McConnell appeared to snap back to reality and took two additional questions. A rep for the senator also chalked up the bizarre moment to lightheadedness soon after it happened.


McConnell suffered a concussion in a fall March 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Washington. He also fell while deplaning a canceled flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in northern Virginia July 14.


Thirteen days later, McConnell was answering a question from reporters at the Capitol when he suddenly trailed off and assumed a blank stare for around 20 seconds. On that occasion, the Senate Republican leader was led away by his colleagues before returning to the microphones to take additional questions.

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