GOP Congressman Reveals What Kept Him Away After Being MIA For Months

Republican New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. revealed Tuesday on the House floor that depression caused his months-long absence from Congress.

Kean revealed the diagnosis on after returning to Congress for the first time since March 5. The congressman’s illness remained undisclosed throughout his absence, though he remained in contact with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

“Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression,” Kean said. “Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think it simply means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and as soon as you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be. The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness.”

The congressman said there was no clear timeline for recovery.

“When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself,” Kean continued. “When I said I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates that the doctors could provide. But as over the 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness come to discover, there is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery.”

Kean missed every roll call vote in the House since March 5 and missed 20% of the votes between January and March, according to GovTrack. The congressman will likely face a competitive reelection bid against Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey’s seventh district, which flipped