Catatonic and Monotonic – McConnell and Waters Return to Work

Washington, DC – Washington saw the return of two of Congress’ longest-serving and oldest lawmakers this week, as 84-year-old Sen. Mitch McConnell and 88-year-old Rep. Maxine Waters were both back on Capitol Hill for congressional business.

McConnell, R-Ky., made his return Monday, Sept. 14, appearing on the Senate floor for the first time in roughly three months. His last Senate vote had been June 11, shortly before he was hospitalized following a fall at his Washington home. He arrived at the Capitol in a wheelchair and cast a vote on a judicial nomination. McConnell had been out of public view for more than 90 days.

Waters, D-Calif., was also back in Washington this week. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the 88-year-old congresswoman appeared before the House Financial Services Committee and questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a hearing. She also participated in House votes on Sept. 14 and 15.

Together, McConnell and Waters represent more than 170 years of age and decades of congressional experience. McConnell has served in the Senate since 1985, while Waters has represented California in the House since 1991.

For McConnell, the question now is how consistently he will be able to participate as he continues physical therapy. His office said Monday that he is “still not quite back to 100%” and may miss some votes while recovering.

Meanwhile, Waters was back at the microphone Tuesday, pressing Bessent on economic and artificial-intelligence policy during a sometimes heated exchange.