Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) remains in the hospital recovering from what he claimed was a fall on June 14 that left him unconscious.
While he said he didn't suffer a concussion or break any bones, a bout of mild pneumonia put him out of commission for 46 days so far.
It's the main reason that questions are being raised about how McConnell's signature was added to a letter to the governor about disaster assistance.
Professor and journalist Adam Cochran posted the letter, saying, "McConnell's office had a press release highlighting McConnell's signature of a letter about disaster assistance for the state of Kentucky. McConnell claims to be in rehab only for mobility issues, but has a gorgeous signature... An autopen signature is perfectly legal if a Senator of *sound mind* directed his staff to apply his signature."
He noted, however, that Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) has been trying to speak with McConnell and hasn't heard a word from him or his office.
"Now we have to ask ourselves: Has someone applied the signature of a sitting Senator, on a state matter, without the appropriate knowledge and consent?" asked Cochran. "McConnell's staff continue to defraud the American people, by hiding the severity of their bosses condition, so they can ride out the remaining term on tax payer dollars," the post continued.
Capitol Hill correspondent Desirée Townsend quoted one of the remarks from McConnell's spouse, Elaine Chao, when she accepted an award this week.
"She's right. I think both parties should be gravely concerned about Senator McConnell's 47-day hospitalization and continued absence from the Senate," said Townsend. "This is a bipartisan issue, especially given the questions surrounding official documents being signed in his name on July 28th."
Bill Short, who specializes in urban trams and gondolas, commented, "Just how did @SenMcConnell sign this? Outlaw Autopens! If he’s not alive, how can he sign? We need Proof of life or Mitch is dead!
Another account had a business card from McConnell with his signature on it as well. Comparing the two, the account asked how Republicans could "fret about Joe Biden's autopen?"
One complained that if he's well enough to read documents and sign them, then he can get on television and "show himself." And there were a few who claimed it was a GOP cover-up or unlawful.
The letter was dated July 28 and was signed by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.).
A 2025 report from The Dispatch said that McConnell and many other lawmakers on Capitol Hill use the autopen, and McConnell was one of them.
