Mitch McConnell releases health update, saying he's not ready to return to work yet

Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has released a health update stating that he is not yet ready to return to work. Despite this announcement, he arrived on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. This specific hearing focused on the budget request for the U.S. Army. The update provides clarity on his current health status while he continues to manage his responsibilities within the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.