Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made his first floor speech Tuesday since a highly publicized incident of him freezing up at a news conference in Kentucky, as the Senate marked its return from a lengthy August recess.

The Kentucky Republican briefly acknowledged last week’s health scare that occurred while speaking with local reporters on Aug. 30, which was the second time in as many months that the 81-year-old froze in place and was unable to move or speak for roughly 30 seconds.

“One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week,” Mr. McConnell said. “But I assure you, August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth.”

He did not appear to have difficulty delivering the relatively short address, although his voice sounded subdued.

Mr. McConnell’s office released a letter earlier Tuesday from the U.S. Capitol attending physician, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, medically clearing him for work. Dr. Monahan said that after both examining Mr. McConnell and reviewing “brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” he concluded that “there is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, [transient ischemic attack] or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease.”

Instead, Dr. Monahan attributed the latest momentary paralysis to “lightheadedness” in connection to Mr. McConnell recovering from a concussion incurred during a fall five months ago. Mr. McConnell walks with a noticeable limp due to surviving polio as a child and has suffered from previous falls. Dr. Monahan also cited dehydration as a potential cause for the latest freeze.

SEE ALSO: Senate physician declares McConnell neurologically healthy after extensive examination

“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team,” Dr. Monahan’s letter stated. “After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, Illinois Democrat, quipped that he was glad for the return of a worthy debate opponent.

“I told him it’s great to see him back, and I couldn’t wait to disagree with him,” Mr. Durbin said on the floor. “I’m sure I’ll have that opportunity in the near future.”

Both instances of Mr. McConnell freezing up were blamed on his recovery from a concussion suffered in a fall in March. The recovery from the fall kept him absent from the Senate for six weeks, triggering backroom talks about a succession plan.

Last week, some Republicans, including presidential candidate Nikki Haley suggested Mr. McConnell is too old and should step aside.

“You have to know when to leave,” Mrs. Haley, 51, said.

But Mr. McConnell, who is the Senate GOP’s longest-serving leader, is showing no indication he plans to leave his leadership post and his top deputies as well as rank-and-file Republicans are backing his decision.

He recovered quickly in both instances where he froze up and has been dismissive of concerns that the incidents are tied to serious health problems.

• Susan Ferrechio contributed to this story.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.