Mitch McConnell returns home after medical absence

US Senator Mitch McConnell said Thursday, August 6, that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation center and would continue recovering at home after nearly two months in hospital and rehabilitation.

The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican, a former Senate leader, was hospitalized in mid-June. On July 12, he said he had been treated for a fall and loss of consciousness, had moved to a rehabilitation facility and had developed a minor case of pneumonia while in hospital.

McConnell said doctors advised him to maintain an intensive physical therapy regimen at home during the Senate's August recess. He did not say whether he would return when the chamber reconvenes in September.

His absence has strained a tight Republican majority. He is expected to miss key votes this week before the recess, including on the confirmation of President Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general, Todd Blanche. Several Republican senators have expressed concerns about Blanche, raising the possibility that the vote could be delayed.

McConnell is not seeking re-election and is due to retire in January.