Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) criticized Senate Republicans over the prolonged absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), arguing that the senator owes his constituents a public explanation about his ability to continue serving.
“I have heard absolutely nothing back from Mitch McConnell. And while I do hope that he is getting better, I’ve known him my entire life. I wish him no harm. I actually wish him good health. His boss are the people of Kentucky,” Beshear said on CBS News’s Face the Nation.
Recommended Stories
McConnell, 84, was hospitalized June 14 after suffering a fall and has spent weeks recovering, including time in a rehabilitation facility. His office has provided limited updates on his condition, while McConnell has not made an appearance or directly addressed Kentuckians. He was discharged from rehab earlier this month and is continuing physical therapy at home.
Bershear argued that McConnell’s health does not eliminate his responsibility to communicate with the people he represents.
“And this is why the Senate, the Republican controlled Senate, feels so broken. They feel like they’re not accountable to anyone. All he needs to do is call into this show for two minutes, or Fox News for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he’s supposed to serve, but you know what? He absolutely refuses to do it,” Beshear said.
Beshear has previously demanded that McConnell provide “proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” and sent a copy of his letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), urging him to investigate McConnell’s ability to fulfill his duties.
MCCONNELL ABSENCE FOILS GOP PLANS TO ADVANCE FARM BILL BEFORE AUGUST RECESS
Beshear then broadened his criticism to Senate Republicans, accusing them of failing to hold the Trump administration accountable.
“And then John Thune, as the leader of the senate, you’ve got a duty to make sure all of your senators have the capacity to serve, and what is he saying, ‘not my job,’ that’s not surprising, none of them will do their job right now and stand up to a president that is running over the constitution at every turn,” Beshear said.
