McConnell’s Salary Continues While He Remains Hospitalized and Absent from Senate

Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, has been absent from the Senate for 92 days after being hospitalized on June 14 for a fall that left him briefly unconscious and later dealing with mild pneumonia. During this time he has continued to receive his $174,000 salary, resulting in $43,500 of taxpayer-funded paychecks. His staff’s compensation has also risen, with the six top earners receiving $318,688 and the full complement of about 40 employees being paid roughly $893,872 pre-tax in the same span.

Chief of staff Terry Carmack earns $226,000 annually, while communications director Stephanie Penn makes about $214,000 per year. House Republican James Comer, also from Kentucky, said he expects McConnell to reappear when the Senate reconvenes, though he has not spoken directly with the senator. McConnell’s office has provided limited health updates, stating he did not suffer a heart attack or stroke and is focusing on Senate business despite missing over 60 roll-call votes and several high-profile events.