Mitch McConnell

Mitch McConnell seemed lethargic as he was transported to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, slowly holding up a “peace” sign toward a reporter whose questions he did not answer.

In his second week back at work following a 92-day absence, the wheelchair-bound senator was rolled out of his Washington, D.C. home and into a waiting vehicle ahead of a roll call vote, video from reporter Desiree Townsend shows.

“Terry, is it safe bringing him back to the Senate like this?” Townsend called out.

Carmack ignored her.

“Senator McConnell, do you want to go to work?” Townsend then asked. “Do you want to be at work, sir? Would you rather be home? You’d rather be home?”

Instead of speaking, McConnell slowly turned his head toward Townsend and raised his right hand in a “peace” sign. It was the same gesture he made several times last week in response to questions. His grin also matched the expression he had last Monday while sitting in the vehicle before heading to the Capitol.

The vehicle’s sliding door then closed as McConnell appeared frozen.

McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The retiring senator, who attributed his prolonged absence to a fall in mid-June followed by pneumonia, raised additional concerns last Wednesday about his ability to serve out his remaining months in office. During a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting, he needed coaching on how to vote on the Farm Bill, which ultimately passed by a single vote.

McConnell’s name was said twice as Carmack and Republicans in the room told him to vote “aye,” which he finally did, hoarsely.

McConnell’s appearance last week led one top vascular surgeon to say he was in no condition to be at work.