Questions swirl over top US Republican McConnell's hospital stay - here's what we know

Questions swirl over top US Republican McConnell's hospital stay - here's what we knowImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The senator was seen on 4 June leaning on his staff to support himselfByMax MatzaPublished11 minutes agoConcerns are growing about the health of US Senator Mitch McConnell, a top Republican lawmaker who has been in hospital for over three weeks.McConnell, 84, was admitted for treatment on 14 June, according to his staff. His aides have not given any details about the reason for his hospital stay, or what kind of treatment he is receiving.His team said on 2 July he is "receiving excellent care" and he "continues to improve".On Tuesday, several Republicans said they had spoken by phone to McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in US history. Their comments came after conservative influencer Laura Loomer claimed without evidence that the Kentucky senator was in a "vegetative state". Several US media outlets have reported that 911 emergency calls made from McConnell's home had reported an "unconscious" person who was suffering from "cardiac arrest".The calls also indicated that CPR was being done to the patient. McConnell, who has served in the Senate for more than 40 years, is not explicitly named in the recording.On Tuesday, Loomer, an ally of President Donald Trump, posted that McConnell "is brain dead and hooked up to machines", and alleged that a "cover-up" was taking place. She also criticised his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, for visiting China during his hospital stay.In an apparent effort to push back against Loomer's claims, several Republican colleagues released statements on Tuesday saying that they had held phone conversations with the former Senate leader.A spokesman for Senate Leader John Thune said the two held "a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics including national se...