Senate Majority Leader briefly froze mid-sentence during a Wednesday news briefing held by Republicans on the National Defense Authorization Act.
McConnell began the briefing by greeting journalists and briefly talked about the NDAA, which authorizes military spending.
“We’re on a path to finishing the NDAA this week with good bipartisan cooperation and a string of…” continued McConnell before trailing off and staring off for several moments.
After about 20 seconds, Senate Republican colleagues intervened with Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, taking McConnell’s hand and quietly asking him if he had any further comments to make.
McConnell gave no answer and stood to the side. The news briefing continued with Sen. John Thune, R-SD, taking the podium.
McConnell returned to the briefing a few minutes later, telling reporters he was “fine.”
McConnell, aged 81, was hospitalized earlier this year after a fall left him with a concussion and a fractured rib.
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