After McConnell's freezing episodes, Romney says that during 'the other 86,380 seconds in the day' McConnell 'does a pretty darn good job'

GOP Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah has expressed his support for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in the wake of McConnell's public freezing episodes.

"We may expect that Mitch McConnell will check out for 20 seconds a day. But the other 86,380 seconds in the day, he does a pretty darn good job," Romney said, according to ABC News. "I'm firmly behind his remaining as our leader."

McConnell had a freezing episode last week that came after he had one earlier this year. But some GOP lawmakers have expressed their support for McConnell.

"He has my full support and the support of the conference," Sen. John Thune of South Dakota said, according to the outlet.

"He sounds good to me, so, I'm all good with Mitch," Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina reportedly said.

"I feel that he is fully prepared and able to conduct his duties," Sen. Susan Collins of Maine noted, according to ABC News.

The incident last week where McConnell stood silently and stared blankly instead of answering a question came after a similar incident occurred in July.

"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," attending physician to Congress Brian Monahan communicated in a September 5 message to McConnell. "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."

Monahan had indicated last week after the incident that McConnell was "medically clear" to maintain his planned schedule. "Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration," he noted.

McConnell got injured when he tripped earlier this year.

"I think it's an inadequate explanation to say this is dehydration. The one thing that is very clear is that when someone has a seizure doesn't always show up on the EEG," Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky noted, according to ABC News. "My personal interaction with him has been fine. And I think he's been up to the task. And so this isn't a criticism of him or anything. It's a criticism of the way it's being handled publicly."

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