By David Morgan WASHINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate returns on Monday for a four-week work period expected to include votes on defense and other national security legislation, with one of the most influential voices on those issues – Republican Senator Mitch McConnell – still absent with undisclosed health problems.

Nirav Shah has entered the race for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in Maine following Graham Platner's withdrawal from the contest.

It's a blunt offering from the soon-to-be-senior Senator from Texas.

Seth Moulton told voters it’s time to retire U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, who has held elected office longer than Moulton has been alive, while the incumbent argued he will continue to fight for Massachusetts voters.

Elaine Chao, wife of Sen. Mitch McConnell, has issued her first public statement since her husband's ongoing hospitalization. (Photo: AP)

RECOVERING FROM. WELL, THANK YOU, NORMAN. AN UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTION IS GETTING NEW ATTENTION IN KENTUCKY AFTER THE CHANGE IN STATE LAW OVER HOW U-S SENATE VACANCIES WOULD BE FILLED. DEANDRIA TURNER IS GETTING THE FACTS ON WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A SEAT OPENED UP.