Key points:

• Senator Mitch McConnell fell twice at the Capitol on Wednesday, leaving in a wheelchair.
• McConnell's spokesperson assured that he was "fine" despite ongoing health issues.
• The incidents occurred shortly after voting on the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader of the U.S. Senate, experienced two falls on Wednesday, causing him to leave the Capitol in a wheelchair. According to reports, McConnell, 82, who is a childhood polio survivor, first fell while leaving the Senate chamber and then again shortly after during a Republican conference lunch within the Capitol building. His spokesperson, Stephanie Penn, stated, "Senator McConnell is fine. The lingering effects of polio in his left leg will not disrupt his regular schedule of work," as reported by Newsweek.

The incident is part of a troubling trend, as McConnell has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a concussion and a fractured rib after a fall at a fundraising dinner in 2023. Witnesses noted that McConnell fell while he was descending stairs and then again shortly after, leading him to require assistance from security and staff to recover. Reports from USA Today indicated that he fell on his side while carrying a plate during the lunch.

Despite these incidents, his office has not clarified any impact on his official duties. McConnell has already made a decision not to seek a leadership position again, following inquiries regarding his fitness to serve, similar to discussions about other aging lawmakers like former President Joe Biden.

These recent falls underscore the ongoing health situation surrounding McConnell, who has been a prominent figure in the Senate since 2007. This includes his two public episodes in 2023 where he appeared to momentarily freeze during press conferences, raising more questions about his ability to effectively serve as a senior member of the Senate. Recent reports suggest he remains a pivotal vote concerning future cabinet nominees under President Trump, indicating his continuing importance in Senate deliberations. For additional updates, keep an eye on coverage from HuffPost.