WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his personal press convention on Wednesday after stopping his remarks mid-sentence and staring off into area for a number of seconds.
McConnell approached the rostrum for his weekly press convention and started talking in regards to the annual protection invoice on the ground, which he mentioned was continuing with “good bipartisan cooperation.” But he then appeared to lose his practice of thought, trailing off with a drawn-out “uh.”
He then appeared to freeze up and stared vacantly for round 20 seconds earlier than his colleagues in Republican management, who have been standing behind him and couldn’t see his face, grabbed his elbows and requested if he wished to return to his workplace.
He didn’t reply, however slowly walked again to his workplace with an aide and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon who’s the No. 3 Republican within the Senate. McConnell later returned to the press convention and answered questions from the press.
Asked about what occurred, McConnell mentioned he was “fine.” He didn’t elaborate.
A McConnell aide mentioned he felt lightheaded and stepped away for a second. The aide requested anonymity to discuss the senator’s well being.
McConnell, 81, was out of the Senate for nearly six weeks earlier this yr after falling and hitting his head. His workplace later mentioned he suffered a concussion and fractured a rib. His speech has just lately sounded extra halting, prompting questions amongst a few of his colleagues about his well being.
After the press convention, Barrasso instructed reporters that he “wanted to make sure everything was fine” and walked McConnell down the corridor.
Barrasso mentioned he has been involved since McConnell was injured earlier this yr, “and I continue to be concerned.”
But requested about his explicit issues, Barrasso mentioned: “I said I was concerned when he fell and hit his head a number of months ago and was hospitalized. And I think he’s made a remarkable recovery, he’s doing a great job leading our conference and was able to answer every question the press asked him today.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”