Mitch McConnell released from inpatient physical therapy program after fall

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Saturday was released from an inpatient physical therapy program after falling at a hotel in Washington earlier this month.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone for all the kind wishes," McConnell said in a statement. "I’m happy to say I finished inpatient physical therapy earlier today and I’m glad to be home."

The Kentucky Republican, who was treated for a concussion and a fractured rib, said he will work from home the next few days at the advice of his physical therapists and looks forward to returning to the Senate soon. However, it's unclear when that might be. McConnell is not expected to return this week, and Congress will take a two-week recess starting April 3.   

© Drew Angerer, Getty Images Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., talks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol on December 22, 2022 in Washington, DC.

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McConnell, 81, tripped at a dinner event and was admitted to a hospital March 8, spokesperson David Popp told USA TODAY at the time.

His colleagues in the Senate from both political parties offered well wishes. 

"I join every single one of my colleagues in wishing Leader McConnell a speedy and full recovery," Senate Majority Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor earlier this month.

President Joe Biden, who has a decades-long friendship with McConnell, said he had spoken with McConnell's family and wished him a "speedy recovery."

McConnell served as majority leader from 2015 to 2021. In 2019, he tripped and fell at his home in Louisville, suffering a shoulder fracture. 

He was one of three senators out for medical reasons. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is being treated for depression at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein is recovering after being hospitalized for shingles. 

Absences in the 51-49 Senate, which has a Democratic majority, can impact the timing and outcome of votes in the chamber. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mitch McConnell released from inpatient physical therapy program after fall