Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health episodes show “no evidence” of being a stroke or seizure disorder, a Capitol physician wrote in a letter on Tuesday. The physician offered no further explanation for the apparent freeze-ups that have raised concerns about the 81-year-old’s health.

McConnell’s office released the letter from attending physician Brian P. Monahan as the Senate returned from a lengthy summer recess and concerns about the longtime Republican leader’s health intensified. Last week, during a press conference in Kentucky, the leader of the Republican Party stopped up and was unable to respond to a query, the second such incident in a month.

“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease,” Monahan wrote, using the acronym for a transient ischemic attack, a fleeting stroke.

The doctor stated that the assessments included a brain MRI and “consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment.” The evaluations are a result of McConnell’s fall and trauma earlier this year.

“There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall,” the doctor said.

After last week’s freezing temperatures, the accompanying physician to Congress gave McConnell clearance to continue with his scheduled activities. Tuesday, McConnell arrived at his Capitol office.

However, the episodes have sparked concern among Republican senators and speculation in Washington about McConnell’s leadership ability.

Despite this, numerous Republican allies have joined McConnell’s camp. Calls for a direct challenge to McConnell’s leadership have been muted by rivals.

McConnell is expected to address the Senate as it opens for a flurry of autumn activity, including the need for Congress to approve funding by September 30, the end of the fiscal year, to prevent any disruption in federal operations.

Some Republicans in the House are prepared to close down the government at the end of the month if they are unable to pass strict spending restrictions.

White House and Democrats view McConnell, who leads Senate Republicans, as a potentially more pragmatic broker who is more concerned with averting a messy government closure that could be politically detrimental for the GOP.

McConnell has also made it a priority to ensure Ukraine receives continued U.S. support as it fights Russia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launching a counteroffensive.

More on this story via The Western Journal:

McConnell’s health has visibly declined since the concussion in March, after which he took some weeks to recover. His speaking has been more halting, and he has walked more slowly and carefully.

First elected in 1984, he became the longest serving Senate party leader in January. The question posed before he froze up last week was about his own plans and whether he would run for re-election in 2026. CONTINUE READING…