Andy Beshear Demands Health Transparency or Resignation from Senator Mitch McConnell

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has issued a formal demand for Senator Mitch McConnell to provide clear evidence of his health status or resign from his seat. The 84-year-old Republican senator has been out of the public eye for 43 days following a mid-June hospitalization for a fall and mild pneumonia. While McConnell's office released a statement noting he is undergoing strenuous physical therapy and is not yet medically cleared to return to the office, Beshear argued that the senator must verbally address the people of Kentucky to prove his capacity to serve. Beshear sent letters to both McConnell and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, requesting a transparent investigation into the senator's condition. The governor noted that significant national issues, such as the war with Iran and rising prices, have occurred during McConnell's absence. If the senator remains unable to provide proof of his ability to function, Beshear indicated he would urge Thune to begin the process of expelling him from the Senate.

Sources

• CNN
  Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s message to Sen. Mitch McConnell: Disclose more about health or resign
• BBC
  McConnell out of hospital but still not 'medically cleared' to return to work
• WLKY
  Second photo of Sen. Mitch McConnell emerges; statement says he's not cleared for Senate
• WKYT
  Sen. Mitch McConnell releases update on his condition, Beshear demands further transparency