Senator Josh Hawley is calling out his Republican colleague, Mitch McConnell, over the former Senate majority leader's extended absence from Congress, which has now lasted more than a month. In an interview with Fox News Digital published on July 19, the Missouri senator offered well wishes to the 84-year-old McConnell and his family, but emphasized that there is a responsibility to be open with the public. Hawley stated, "at a certain point you do have an obligation to your constituents and the country to tell them what's going on."
McConnell, who was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and has served seven terms representing Kentucky, had been absent from public view until a July 12 statement. That update addressed a recent hospitalization that had fueled widespread online speculation and criticism. According to the statement, McConnell was hospitalized following a fall that left him briefly unconscious. He further revealed that he suffered from a bout of mild pneumonia during his stay and has since been moved to a rehabilitation center. The statement included a photograph of the senator alongside his wife, Elaine Chao.
Regarding the political implications of the absence, Hawley noted the narrow 53-47 Republican majority in the chamber, telling the outlet that "we've got a slim majority; it's not easy." He expressed frustration with the current leadership, noting that he frequently hears that the party lacks the necessary votes for certain measures, such as voter identification legislation. Hawley remarked, "Well, we might want to do something about that." He also stated that he had been "totally in the dark" regarding McConnell’s medical condition, adding, "I never had any idea about any of his health stuff."
During the discussion, Hawley addressed the broader topic of term limits. He clarified that he holds no personal animosity toward older colleagues, pointing to 92-year-old Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley as someone who remains "sharp as a tack and spry." However, Hawley maintained his long-standing position on the necessity of term limits. He argued that the current system allows people to "come here and stay forever," which he believes contradicts the intentions of the founders and the desires of the public. Consequently, Hawley reaffirmed his support for a constitutional amendment to implement term limits.
