Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell sparked health concerns on Wednesday when he appeared to physically seize up at a press conference in Congress.
McConnell, 81, froze in mid-sentence and stood motionless at a microphone for about 20 seconds before aides and fellow senators walked him away.
But the veteran Kentucky politician returned several minutes later and told reporters “I’m fine” before taking questions on various political issues.
McConnell has been the top Republican in the US Senate since 2007, and wielded unflinching power as Senate majority leader from 2015 to 2021.
In that role he stifled policies of the Democratic administration of president Barack Obama and bolstered Republican president Donald Trump when he took office in January 2017.
He most notably helped engineer conservatives taking a majority on the Supreme Court by stalling a hearing for Obama’s progressive appointed nominee in 2016.
He also ensured that Trump was not convicted at trial after his unprecedented two impeachments, though he was critical of Trump’s behaviour.
In March McConnell was hospitalised after he tripped and fell during a private dinner.
He suffered a concussion and a fractured rib, and spent six weeks away from the Senate, undergoing physical therapy. The incident Wednesday highlighted the challenge of the ageing leadership in the US Congress.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during the news conference in Washington, DC on Wednesday. (AFP)
