WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito says she expects Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell “will be the same old Mitch” when the Senate returns from their August recess Tuesday.
McConnell (R-Ky.) recently called top Senate Republicans, including Capito (R-W.Va.), after he froze for nearly 30 seconds during a news conference in Kentucky last week. Concerns about McConnell’s health have been circulating since late July when the senator was escorted away from the podium on Capitol Hill after he stopped speaking mid-sentence.
Capito said on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline” McConnell “sounded great, clear and fine” on the phone and that he told her the long pause was due to a concussion.
“These kinds of pauses can be part of having a concussion, at least that’s what he tells me. I believe he’s been examined,” she said. “I think Senator McConnell will be well-equipped to lead us and when he feels that he can’t do that anymore, I think he’s the one who will make that decision.”
In a letter released late Tuesday morning, Capitol Hill Physician Brian Monahan said he had found “no evidence” that McConnell was suffering from a seizure disorder or had suffered a stroke or any other movement disorder. Monahan said McConnell had received a comprehensive neurology assessment.
McConnell, 81, was hospitalized earlier this year following a fall at a Washington hotel. He suffered a concussion and fractured rib, requiring a five-day hospital stay and later inpatient rehabilitation.
McConnell is the longest-serving Senate party leader in history. Capito said he also brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to important decision making.
“He has a very long view of what’s going on. He doesn’t just react to what happens that day or what’s going to get us through the week, and I think strategically, as Republicans, we want somebody who is going to have a strategic long view,” she said.
Government funding runs out at the end of the month, which is also on the minds of lawmakers. Congress will need to either pass a new budget or a continuing resolution before the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
Capito, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she remains hopeful they can pass a spending plan soon.
“I remain the optimist. We’re going to figure this out and move forward,” she said.
The U.S. House of Representatives returns next week.