Recent staff comments from Rep. James Comer indicate McConnell’s team aims for his return when the Senate reconvenes September 14 after the August recess, supporting the 72.5% trader consensus on a Senate vote by September 30. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has been absent since mid-June following a fall and pneumonia diagnosis that required hospitalization and rehabilitation, missing dozens of roll calls. He has publicly stated his intent to complete remaining Senate business before retiring at the end of his term in January 2027, though his office has issued no formal return timeline and updates remain limited. The approaching fiscal year-end funding deadline adds procedural pressure that could encourage attendance if his recovery allows.