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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.
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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. 

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