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Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 82, fell down a small set of stairs on Wednesday after exiting the Senate chamber following a confirmation vote for Housing and Urban Development Secretary nominee Scott Turner. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) promptly helped him get up.
McConnell is no stranger to falls. Back in December, he sprained his wrist and cut his face in a fall at a GOP luncheon. In 2023, McConnell was absent for weeks following an injury he sustained from a fall, prompting speculation that he would resign. There were even whispers of preparations for a leadership vote. He reportedly had fallen multiple times already that year.
The same week that Mitch McConnell fell in December, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suffered a fall in Luxembourg and broke her hip. These incidents sparked questions about their physical and mental fitness. McConnell has been known to experience freeze-ups, while Pelosi has occasionally struggled to communicate coherently.
Related: Let’s Make a Deal: Pelosi and McConnell Should Both Resign
