Mitch McConnell Missing 26 Days — Senate Rules Demand Explanation

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Sen. Mitch McConnell has been missing from the Senate for 26 days — and nobody seems to know if he’s dead or alive.

The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican was reportedly admitted to a D.C.-area hospital on June 14 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill townhouse. Since then: radio silence.

President Trump told reporters Thursday he hasn’t spoken to McConnell and has no idea how he’s doing.

Do his Senate colleagues know more?

The Senate’s rules are clear: No senator can absent himself from duty without permission. Rule VI of the Standing Rules of the Senate states senators must disclose reasons for extended absences and request leave from the body.

The Federalist CEO Sean Davis pointed out McConnell’s obligation Thursday on X.

McConnell’s staff issued a statement July 2 saying the senator was recovering in the hospital and working with his office on Kentucky and Senate matters. But that was over a week ago. No photos. No video. No proof of life.

His last Senate vote was June 11 — three days before the cardiac arrest. The last time he posted on social media was June 12.

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., told Good Morning America Thursday he doesn’t know whether McConnell is dead or alive.

“His constituents deserve answers where he is at.”

Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed McConnell is brain dead, citing a White House source.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso reportedly spoke with McConnell earlier this week — at least their spokespeople said they did.

A NewsNation source said late Thursday that McConnell is alive and in rehab. The source claimed he’s mentally fine but needs time to physically recover.

But anonymous sources aren’t Senate procedure.

Davis laid out the requirement: McConnell must formally request leave from the Senate and disclose his reasons for absence. Without that disclosure and Senate approval, McConnell has an obligation to resign.

The mystery absence is complicating Senate business. McConnell chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. His absence forced the subcommittee to cancel a critical hearing on defense spending, according to The Washington Post.

Without McConnell, the Appropriations Committee is split evenly between Republicans and Democrats — eliminating the GOP’s one-seat majority. Tied votes sink legislation in committee.

The Senate returns from recess Monday, then faces another month-long summer break starting the second week of August. McConnell, who holds the record as the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, is set to retire when his term ends in January.

His staff has refused to say what’s ailing him, what his prognosis is, or when he’ll return. The 84-year-old has dealt with several health incidents over the past few years — some that sidelined him for extended periods.

Davis summed it up on X: “These are the rules, and it’s long past time for senators to actually follow them.”


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