McConnell Breaks Silence, Cites Fall and Pneumonia for Senate Absence

Veteran Republican Senator Mitch McConnell has publicly addressed his prolonged absence from the Senate, attributing it to a fall and a bout of pneumonia. The statement marked his first official communication after weeks of public speculation surrounding his health. McConnell indicated he would not be returning to work immediately, saying the time was not "quite yet." The disclosure came amid growing questions from colleagues and observers about the senior senator's condition and capacity to serve.