McConnell returns to Capitol after 3-month absence

Sen. Mitch McConnell voted at the U.S. Capitol on Monday for the first time in three months after being hospitalized in June.

Why it matters: The Kentucky Republican's return could finally unjam the farm bill — and put some MAGA world rumors to rest about his ability to do the job.

• McConnell arrived in a wheelchair and spoke briefly to reporters, joking that after years of avoiding their questions, he "wasn't sure how many of you would be here today. But I'm glad to see you. It's time to get back to work."
• He did not take questions but cast a vote Monday evening in favor of Matthew Byrne's nomination to be a district judge in Ohio. '
• McConnell said he was ready to work on the farm bill, as well as on supporting NATO and Ukraine.

Driving the news: "Today, I'll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June," McConnell said in a Monday evening statement. "I'm really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues."

• He described his recovery as "a long and often frustrating process," noting "the lingering effects of childhood polio haven't made it any easier."
• McConnell added, "I'm still not quite back to 100%, but I've assured Leader Thune that, as I continue with physical therapy on the advice of my doctors, I will do my best to be present for tough votes when our Conference needs me."

What to watch: Whether the Senate Agriculture Committee will set a hearing this week to finally move the farm bill forward with McConnell's help.

Catch up quick: McConnell, 84, was last seen at the Capitol on June 11. Since then, his team has provided few details about his health, fueling rampant online speculation.

• McConnell said in July that he fell at his home in June, briefly lost consciousness and was treated for mild pneumonia after he was hospitalized.
• The last official update came Aug. 6, when McConnell's office announced that he had been discharged from a rehabilitation facility and would continue recovering at home.
• Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and some prominent MAGA voices have pressed for more information and questioned whether McConnell remains fit to serve.

Friction point: The rumor mill kicked into overdrive in July, when Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and former McConnell aide Scott Jennings made back-to-back statements saying they had substantive conversations with the hospitalized senator.

• In a reported recording of an EMS call from the day of the senator's hospitalization, a dispatcher mentions cardiac arrest and a person receiving CPR at McConnell's address.
• McConnell has had other health scares in the past, including freezing in front of reporters and prior falls. His office has pointed to the lingering effects of his childhood bout with polio.

State of play: McConnell is set to retire when his term ends in January.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that McConnell voted Monday.