Fresh reports from colleagues and associates indicate that Sen. Mitch McConnell is alert, engaged, and actively discussing national issues by phone, directly contradicting recent claims circulating online that he had been declared “brain dead.”

CNN commentator Scott Jennings revealed Tuesday that he spoke with McConnell, whom he described as an “old friend,” for nearly 20 minutes while the Kentucky senator continues recovering in the hospital.

Jennings wrote, “I spoke to my old friend Mitch McConnell this morning, the senior Senator from Kentucky. He’s still recovering in the hospital. We talked for just shy of 20 minutes … about IRAN, UKRAINE, the unfolding situation in MAINE, my visit to the TR Presidential Library, and even a little bit of Senate history.”

He added, “I told him we want to see him back at work as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune also confirmed that Thune held an extensive phone conversation with McConnell on Monday. According to the spokesperson, the two had a lengthy and “substantive conversation” covering several issues, including national security.

Those accounts stand in sharp contrast to allegations made Monday by conservative activist Laura Loomer and journalist Desiree Townsend, who both asserted that McConnell had been declared “brain dead,” though neither cited specific sources. McConnell’s office quickly rejected the claims, insisting they were false and emphasizing that the senator’s condition continues to improve.

“Senator McConnell appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital,” a spokesperson told Breitbart News. “The Senator continues to improve and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session.”

McConnell has remained hospitalized since June 14, although officials have not disclosed the exact nature of his medical condition. In recent years, the 84-year-old senator has experienced several falls, suffered a concussion, and twice drew national attention after freezing unexpectedly while speaking at a podium.

Meanwhile, McConnell’s hospitalization has drawn additional scrutiny because his wife, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, traveled to Beijing just three days after he was admitted to the hospital. During the visit, Chao, who has longstanding ties to China, met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, a trip that raised questions in some political circles.