Comer expects McConnell to return with Senate after Labor Day

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said Thursday that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is aiming to return to Capitol Hill from his months-long absence when the Senate reconvenes Sept. 14.

“I expect that. I sure hope so,” Comer told a reporter when asked whether McConnell would join his colleagues in the Senate when they return to Washington following the recess.

Though Comer conceded that he had not spoken to McConnell directly, the GOP representative confirmed he was in regular contact with the senator’s staff.

“They have all said it’s their goal for Sen. McConnell to be here when the Senate comes in next week,” he said.

McConnell, who hasn’t voted since June 11, was hospitalized on June 14 after a fall in his Capitol Hill townhouse. The 84-year-old senator announced last month that he had been discharged from the rehabilitation center where he was undergoing intense physical therapy as part of his recovery.

His prolonged absence has fueled questions about whether he will be able to return for the last months of his seventh and final Senate term. McConnell, who stepped down as Senate Republican leader last year, is not seeking reelection in November.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has publicly called for transparency around McConnell’s current health status, demanding the longtime senator show proof he is mentally and physically capable of carrying out the remainder of his term.

Several other GOP senators, however, have expressed their confidence that McConnell will return from his prolonged absence from Congress.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said McConnell was one of the “toughest guys I’ve ever met,” insisting that the Kentucky Republican is making progress and will be back.

Another fellow Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa), said the letter from McConnell’s physician and updates to his colleagues in Congress were enough to explain his condition to the public.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), who was endorsed by President Trump, will face off against Democratic nominee Charles Booker for McConnell’s reliably red Senate seat in Kentucky.