Mitch McConnell reportedly received a five-figure paycheck while being absent from the Senate for almost three months. McConnell made his first public appearance in months and returned to Capitol Hill on Monday. The Kentucky senator was hospitalized in mid-June after suffering a fall.
The senator remained on the payroll throughout his 92-day absence from Capitol Hill
According to a report by The Daily Beast, Senator Mitch McConnell received a huge paycheck from Congress despite being absent from the Senate.
The report suggested that McConnell made around $43,500 during his 92-day absence. The senator’s annual salary amounts to $174,000. It also shows that McConnell made more during his absence than those working under him. The absence brought a hefty income not only to McConnell, but also to his staffers.
According to data collected by the US Census Bureau, six of his top staffers received a combined $318,688 while McConnell was absent from the Senate. Moreover, his entire staff, including lower-level workers, made around $893,872 during this period.
McConnell arrived at the Senate on Monday to cast his vote for the first time since his hospitalization in June. He was escorted in a wheelchair and spoke with the media, shutting down rumors about his health. McConnell also said he spoke with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and told him he would do his best to be “present for tough votes.”
According to CNBC, he also shared that he was looking forward to being involved in the Senate again and said, “Today, I’ll cast my first Senate vote since I took a bad fall back in June. I’m really looking forward to being back on the Senate floor and seeing my colleagues.” McConnell’s prolonged absence from the Senate led many prominent figures to demand his resignation. During this period, he also missed several votes.
