Politics McConnell announces discharge from rehabilitation center The Kentucky Republican has been absent from Congress for nearly two months after a health episode. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Capitol Hill earlier this year. Mr. McConnell was hospitalized in June after falling unconscious in his home. In July, McConnell broke a long silence regarding his condition by saying he had suffered from a fall and a “mild” case of pneumonia, and had since been transferred to a rehabilitation center to continue his recovery. Advertisement:McConnell’s extended leave has taken a toll on Republicans’ slim majority in the Senate, which was on full display Thursday.