Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the U.S. Capitol on Monday for the first time in three months, marking his first Senate vote since being hospitalized after a fall at his home in June. His return comes after weeks of rehabilitation and physical therapy, ending months of speculation about his health.

The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican arrived at the Capitol using a wheelchair and briefly greeted reporters before heading to the Senate floor.

"I wasn't sure how many of you would be here today," McConnell joked. "But I'm glad to see you. It's time to get back to work."

Although he declined to answer questions, McConnell cast his first vote since June in support of a federal judicial nominee and signaled that he intends to resume work on key legislative priorities, including the long-delayed farm bill as well as continued support for NATO and Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, McConnell released a statement acknowledging that his recovery has been slower than expected.

"Today, I'll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June," he said. "I'm really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues."

The veteran senator described the rehabilitation process as "long and often frustrating," explaining that the lingering effects of childhood polio have made recovery more challenging. While he admitted he has not yet returned to full strength, McConnell pledged to attend important Senate votes whenever possible while continuing physical therapy under his doctors' guidance.

McConnell was last seen at the Capitol in June before suffering a fall that briefly left him unconscious. He was later treated for mild pneumonia and spent several weeks in a rehabilitation facility before being discharged to continue his recovery at home in August. His prolonged absence fueled widespread public speculation due to limited updates from his office.

His return is expected to strengthen the Senate Republican conference during a busy legislative period. Lawmakers are preparing to tackle several high-profile issues in the coming weeks, including the stalled farm bill and other major legislative priorities.

McConnell, who announced earlier this year that he will not seek reelection, has repeatedly said he intends to serve the remainder of his Senate term despite ongoing health challenges. Monday's return signals his commitment to remaining active in Congress as he continues his recovery.