Senator Mitch McConnell has not been seen publicly since his June 14 hospitalization, but more than two months into his absence, the Kentucky Republican continues to communicate with constituents and the public through statements released by his office.

An August 26 press release from McConnell’s office announcing $26.7 million in additional federal funding for an agricultural research facility at the University of Kentucky included lengthy remarks attributed directly to the senator, as well as a statement from University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto.

“I’m honored to have helped secure funding for the establishment and construction of this project over the years, and it’s great to see this final piece go into place for Kentucky’s leading agricultural research lab,” McConnell said in the release.

The statement went on to quote McConnell praising the university’s agricultural research and describing a “productive working relationship” that had delivered results for Kentuckians.

Capilouto was quoted immediately afterward thanking McConnell for his role in securing the funding.

“The University of Kentucky is deeply grateful to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this significant investment in agricultural research and to Senator Mitch McConnell for his steadfast leadership in helping make this project a reality,” Capilouto said in the release.

But whether the two men actually communicated with one another regarding the August announcement remains unclear.

Real Truth Media contacted Capilouto and the University of Kentucky on September 6 and asked specifically whether the university president had communicated directly with McConnell regarding the announcement, or whether Capilouto’s statement had instead been coordinated solely through the senator’s staff. RTM also asked that, if direct communication occurred, the university clarify when it took place and whether it was conducted by phone, email, in person, or through another method.

The university responded two days later, but did not answer any of those questions.

Instead, UK spokesman Jay Blanton provided a statement praising McConnell’s longstanding support for the university.

“Senator McConnell has delivered over and over again for UK and for the Commonwealth. He has been securing funding for this research facility—and for the agricultural needs of our state—for years. We are happy the final funding is in place to make this a reality for Kentucky agriculture research and farmers.”

Blanton did not say whether Capilouto had spoken with McConnell, nor did he identify any direct communication between the university president and the senator concerning the August 26 release.

The unanswered question comes as McConnell’s prolonged absence from public view continues to draw scrutiny ahead of the Senate’s scheduled return to Washington on September 14.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said last week that he expects McConnell to return when the Senate comes back into session. But Comer acknowledged that he had not personally spoken with McConnell and said his expectation was based on conversations with members of the senator’s staff.

For now, McConnell continues to conduct at least some of his public-facing Senate business through written statements issued by his office.

And in the case of the August 26 University of Kentucky announcement, the university was given an opportunity to confirm whether its president had communicated directly with McConnell.

It did not do so.