US Senator Mitch McConnell has broken his silence after weeks of speculation about his health, revealing that a fall led to his hospitalization. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican said in a statement that he was "briefly unconscious" around the time he was first taken to hospital.

McConnell explained that he has undergone a battery of tests to determine the cause of his fall and was also treated for mild pneumonia. He has since been moved to a rehabilitation facility. His doctors confirmed no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages.

McConnell's statement came on the heels of the unexpected death of fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. McConnell said he cannot return to the Senate "quite yet." His absence, coupled with Graham's passing, will temporarily reduce the Republican majority in the chamber by two, potentially complicating efforts to increase military funding and advance President Trump's agenda.

McConnell explained his four-week silence by saying that "folks of my generation often hesitate to share the vulnerability that comes with growing older." He said he will continue to work with his staff on Senate business. His statement included a smiling photo with his wife, Elaine Chao, a tacit response to online speculation about his death.

McConnell is retiring at the end of January. Republicans have nominated Representative Andy Barr to replace him, while Democrats have nominated former state lawmaker Charles Booker. McConnell said he is determined to finish his term, stating, "I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf."

McConnell has a history of health problems, including polio in early childhood. The physician's office noted that he has "experienced several falls through the year" due to his "post-polio condition." Physical therapy aims to reduce the risk of future falls.

Source: www.aljazeera.com