Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had another episode of freezing up while answering questions from reporters in Kentucky on Wednesday.
A reporter had asked about his reelection plans when Mr. McConnell paused for more than 30 seconds, before an aide came up to him and asked, “Did you hear the question, senator?”
He continued to not answer the question, when an aide stepped in once more and said he might need a minute. Once Mr. McConnell reengaged, his aides needed to repeatedly step in and repeat questions at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Government Forum.
This is the second time the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican has frozen and just stopped speaking. He previously stopped speaking during a Capitol Hill press conference last month.
“Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today,” a spokesperson for Mr. McConnell said.
An aide said that Mr. McConnell “feels fine” but will consult a doctor before his next event as a “prudential measure.”
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Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, President Biden said he planned to get in touch with Mr. McConnell.
“Mitch is a friend, as you know — not a joke — we always know people don’t believe that’s the case. We have disagreements politically, but he’s a good friend,” Mr. Biden said at the end of remarks about his administration’s response to the Maui wildfire and Hurricane Idalia.
• Jeff Mordock contributed to this story.
