McConnell returns to Senate after protracted absence from fall

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday after a lengthy absence following a March fall.

The Kentucky lawmaker, 81, was hospitalized in March after he tripped and fell at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, D.C. He announced his intent to return to duty last week as reports broke that Senate Republicans were actively preparing for his imminent retirement.

"Needless to say, I’m very happy to be back," he said Monday, according to The Hill. "This wasn’t the first time that being hardheaded has served me very well."

"We’re truly lucky and blessed that we get to serve in this remarkable institution, represent our home states and serve our country," he went on.

McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985 and led the Republicans since 2007. He survived a leadership challenge earlier this year from Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott.

He will resume his post amid a looming standoff between congressional Republicans and the White House over raising the debt ceiling. Whereas Republicans have proposed matching any proposed increase to the debt limit with spending cuts, Democrats seek a clean increase with no strings attached.

The White House has largely refused to discuss the matter with Republicans, though McConnell insisted on Monday he would turn to other Democratic lawmakers who appeared more willing to talk, The Hill noted. He further called on President Joe Biden to meet with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and negotiate.

"President Biden does not get to stick his fingers in his ears and refuse to listen, talk or negotiate. And the American people know that. The White House needs to stop wasting time and start negotiating with the Speaker of the House," he said.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.