Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and his staff collected nearly $1 million in taxpayer-funded pay during the Kentucky Republican’s mysterious absence from Capitol Hill, according to a new report.
The 84-year-old lawmaker was taken to a hospital from his Washington, D.C., home on June 14 and has not been seen publicly since, the Daily Beast reported Monday. He has missed more than 60 recorded Senate votes.
But that hasn’t stopped the paychecks from rolling in.
“McConnell, the former Senate majority leader who earns an annual salary of $174,000, made $43,500 in taxpayer-funded paychecks during his 92-day absence from the halls of Congress,” according to The Daily Beast. “His staff has also been racking it in during his absence.”
The six highest-paid members of McConnell’s staff collected a combined $318,688 before taxes over the same period. His entire staff received approximately $893,872, bringing the office’s total payout — including McConnell’s salary — to about $937,000, the report said.
McConnell, who is not seeking reelection, continues to earn approximately $476 for every day he remains away from the Senate. The longtime senator is expected to reappear on Capitol Hill as the Senate is set to reassemble Monday, according to media reports.