AOC raises concerns over Mitch McConnell's continued absence from Senate

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has criticised the prolonged absence of Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, saying it is "not normal" at a time when Republicans hold narrow majorities in Congress.

Speaking to reporters outside the US Capitol on Tuesday, Ocasio-Cortez questioned how lawmakers could be absent for extended periods while Congress continues to vote on major legislation.

“I mean, this is – I don’t even know how this is legal. I really don’t even know how this is legal at this point. And it – I just find it shocking,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“And how is everyone pretending this is normal? This is not normal. This is not normal at all.”

She also referred to the lengthy absence of a House Republican member, without naming Representative Tom Kean Jr.

McConnell, 84, addressed his absence in a statement on 12 July, saying he had been hospitalised after a fall that left him "briefly unconscious" and was later treated for pneumonia. He said he is continuing physical therapy at a rehabilitation centre as he recovers.

Kean returned to the House on 30 June after a four-month absence. He told lawmakers he had been hospitalised and diagnosed with depression, adding that doctors recommended he remain in hospital to support his recovery.

McConnell has not indicated when he expects to return to the Senate.