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McConnell addresses health concerns after abrupt pause while speaking

Sen. Mitch McConnell, 81, insisted he was fine after abruptly pausing during a press conference on Wednesday.
McConnell addresses health concerns after abrupt pause while speaking
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell left people concerned on Wednesday after pausing abruptly during a GOP leadership press conference. 

After standing still and staring into the cameras for about 20 seconds without saying a word, McConnell's fellow senators ushered him away from the podium.

An aide to McConnell told Scripps News that the senator felt light-headed prior to stepping away from the podium.  

McConnell, who is 81 years old, returned to the podium a short time later and was asked if the incident was related to a concussion he suffered earlier in the year.

"No, I'm fine," he said.

McConnell was hospitalized after tripping and falling at a D.C. hotel in March.  McConnell's office stated that the senator sustained a minor rib fracture, which required physical therapy.

He returned to the Senate in April. 

McConnell has been in the Senate for nearly 40 years, representing the state of Kentucky. 

SEE MORE: GOP leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized after falling


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