US Republican Mitch McConnell returns to Senate after lengthy illness

Mr McConnell says he is back in the Senate to work on a pending farm bill. ( AP Photo: Allison Robbert )

US Republican Mitch McConnell has made his first appearance in the Senate since he was hospitalised in June.

His illness-related absence generated a flood of criticism and online speculation.

Mr McConnell has said he is determined to finish out his term, which is due to end in January.

Link copied Share Share article US Republican Mitch McConnell has returned to the Senate for the first time in three months, looking noticeably more frail than before he was hospitalised in June.

Mr McConnell's lengthy absence from the Senate generated a flood of criticism and online speculation , as he initially remained quiet for weeks about his condition.