Part of yhe problem is Mitch McConnell’s absence advantages the Democratic party since it leaves the vote vacant as absent.

If a special election were had, a Republican would surely replace McConnell, and they would vote on the Senate floor.

This lends evidence McConnell is still alive, and the GOP is unwilling to pressure his administration to step down. It’s a situation similar to Diane Feinstein.

No one gives up power until its pried from their cold, dead hands.

It might be proper to pass forcing officials to step down id they are absent for a set length of time, and to mandate periodic proof-of-life correspondence in order to keep elected office. Confirmations of life and condition by a professional under penalty of perjury during absence might also be in order. But this is all conversation for the post-revolution constitutional committee.