Sen. Josh Hawley calls for transparency regarding the prolonged absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell from the Senate.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., urged Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to provide more transparency regarding his health following a month-long absence from the Senate. The 84-year-old former majority leader has been out of the chamber since a fall at his home left him hospitalized with pneumonia. Hawley noted that the lack of a vote from McConnell is hindering the GOP's ability to pass key priorities, such as the SAVE America Act. He emphasized that the administration's agenda is being affected by the slim Republican majority, which is currently down two votes due to McConnell's absence and the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. While Hawley expressed well-wishes for McConnell's recovery, he also highlighted the legislative standstill caused by the absence. Negotiations on the farm bill and government funding are currently at a standstill. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested that McConnell should resign if he is unable to perform basic duties, such as responding to a letter from Gov. Andy Beshear.