Senator Mitch McConnell has been absent from Congress for more than a month as he recovers from what he says was a fall. This week, the former Senate majority leader issued a rare new statement on his recovery and a second proof-of-life photo. But he gave no clear timeline for his return to Capitol Hill amid widespread speculation about the specifics of his condition.

The apparent motive for McConnell’s statement was to let everyone know that he will be forced to miss a prominent political event in his home state. “I’m still working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to make it to Fancy Farm, Kentucky this Saturday,” McConnell wrote — referring to the annual Fancy Farm Picnic that is a mainstay of Kentucky politics.

The statement included a new photo of McConnell smiling alongside his wife, former Transportation secretary Elaine Chao, an image that was purportedly taken on Sunday, per the release.........

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