Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced a momentary lapse during a news conference with fellow Republican leaders on Wednesday.
After discussing the progress on the National Defense Authorization Act, McConnell trailed off and appeared to freeze, staring blankly for nearly a minute. Concerned colleagues, including Senator John Barrasso, approached him to inquire about his well-being and whether he had anything further to add.
"You OK, Mitch?" Senator Barrasso asked. "Is there anything else you want to say or should we just go back to your office?"
McConnell, seemingly shaken, stepped aside as Senator John Thune and others took over the press conference, addressing the media on the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Democrat-led Inflation Reduction Act. Approximately 10 minutes later, McConnell reappeared to conclude the conference, reassuring reporters that he was fine.
"I'm fine," he told the press.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, McConnell, who is 81 years old, suffered a concussion and fractured rib from a fall in a Washington hotel.
A McConnell aide informed Fox News that the senator had felt light-headed and needed a moment to collect himself. However, the aide emphasized that McConnell returned to handle the question and answer session, demonstrating his sharpness.
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