[Former U.S. Senate Republican leader McConnell returns to the Senate] September 15th, U.S. Republican Senator and former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate on September 14, local time. This was his first appearance since he was hospitalized after falling at home in June. McConnell's three-month absence from the Senate prompted a flood of criticism and online speculation as the Kentucky senator remained silent about his illness in the early weeks. The 84-year-old senator eventually revealed that he "briefly lost consciousness" as a result of the fall and was treated in hospital for mild pneumonia. McConnell said in a statement on Monday that he has not yet fully recovered to 100% condition. Under the advice of his doctor, he will continue to receive physical therapy and attend key voting sessions when needed. (CCTV News)