Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Monday in Washington. He has been absent from the Senate since a fall in June. Allison Robbert The Associated Press.

By Mary Clare Jalonick | The Associated Press. 

WASHINGTON - Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky returned to the Senate or Monday for the first time since June 14, when he was hospitalized after a fall in his home.

McConnell's three-month absence from the Senate generated a flood of criticism and onli1 speculation, as the Kentucky senator initially remained quiet for weeks about his conditio: The 84-year-old senator eventually disclosed that he had been "briefly unconscious" duet the fall and had also been treated for mild pneumonia in the hospital.

"My recovery has been a long and often frustrating process, and the lingering effects of childhood polio haven't made it any easier," McConnell said in a statement Monday. 'Tm still not quite back to 100%, but I've assured Leader Thune that, as I continue with physic, therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when o Conference needs me."

The concerns over McConnell's absence highlighted increasing public concern about the age of lawmakers and their capacity to carry out their duties. Speculation about his condition grew so intense at one point that Kentucky's Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear tool the extraordinary step of issuing a public letter asking McConnell to update the public in: "transparent manner."

McConnell's absence was also felt over the summer as Republicans were unable to advanc1 a farm bill out of committee. His return could give GOP leaders a needed vote as they try ti advance legislation on cryptocurrency regulation and college sports.

McConnell, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Senate leader, is in his final months of his four decades in office. He is retiring at the end of January after one of the most consequential careers in modern politics.

Republicans have nominated U.S. Rep. Andy Barr to replace him, while Democrats have nominated former state lawmaker Charles Booker. McConnell said he is determined to finish out his term.

McConnell had polio in his early childhood and has long acknowledged difficulty as an ad1 in walking and climbing stairs.

The physician's office in Congress in the July statement said McConnell has "experienced several falls through the year" due to his "post-polio condition." The office said his physic: therapy was aimed at reducing the risk of him falling again.

"A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team determined that he had no fractures, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage," the physician's office said

McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and was the Republican leader from 200' until last year, serving as both majority and minority leader during that period. He has remained active as a rank-and-file senator, showing up for work when the chamber is in session, often using a wheelchair to get around.

But the senator's physical condition has visibly declined in recent years.

He was hospitalized with a concussion in March 2023 and missed several weeks of work after falling in a Washington hotel. He twice froze up during news conferences after he returned, staring vacantly ahead before colleagues and staff. A year later, he fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon.