In the wake of bizarre freezing episodes, Mitch McConnell says he will serve out the rest of his term

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that he will complete his term as Senate Republican Leader and complete his Senate term.

He made the remarks when asked what he has to say to those calling for him to step down. His health has been under significant scrutiny because he had another public freezing episode last week. The senator, who took office in 1985, will be up for re-election in 2026.

When pressed on the cause of the freezing incidents, McConnell said that he thought attending physician to Congress Brian Monahan had covered the issue.

Senator Mitch McConnell on Retirementwww.youtube.com

McConnell's freezing episode last week occurred after a similar incident took place back in July.

After the episode last week, Monahan indicated that the senator was "medically clear" to carry on with his planned schedule. "Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration," Monahan noted.

In a message dated September 5, Monahan communicated, "My examination of you following your August 30 , 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment. There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease. There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall."

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, an ophthalmologist, has said that chalking the issue up to dehydration is an insufficient explanation. He noted that when a person experiences a seizure, it does not always appear on an EEG. Paul said that he practiced medicine for 25 years and the issue "looks like a focal, neurologic event," though he also added that this does not mean McConnell cannot continue serving.

When asked if he is confident in McConnell's ability to lead the conference, Paul described his personal interaction with McConnell as "fine" and said that he believes McConnell has been up to the job.

Sen. Rand Paul says its an 'inadequate representation' to say McConnell froze due to dehydrationwww.youtube.com

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