McConnell's long absence and the lack of comment from the 84-year-old have led to speculation about the veteran's condition.
The speculation gained extra momentum after a recording from the equivalent of an SOS Alarm call from June 14, when McConnell was admitted to hospital, was spread on social media. It refers to a cardiac arrest and an unconscious person at the senator's address, Axios reported, among others.
According to McConnell, it is true that he lost consciousness and collapsed as a result. After the fall, he is also said to have suffered from “a mild case of pneumonia.”
"On the advice of my doctors, I will not be able to return to the Senate for some time," McConnell said in the statement.
Along with the statement, a picture of McConnell in a hospital bed was published in Sunday's edition of the Washington Post.
His absence from the Senate, where Republicans have a narrow majority, has made it difficult for President Donald Trump to pass certain defence spending and, in the long run, possibly other legislation, according toPolitico . McConnell heads a subcommittee that decides on defence appropriations.
