Overview
- Kean has not cast a vote since March 5, missing roughly 50 roll calls over more than a month, according to multiple outlets including Politico and ABC News.
- Fellow New Jersey Republicans Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith say they have tried to reach him with no response, describing what they called radio silence.
- Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he spoke to Kean by phone and that Kean is addressing a personal health matter, with a return expected soon.
- The narrow GOP majority means each GOP defection can stall party-line bills, and Johnson is pressing for Department of Homeland Security funding, a FISA extension, and the farm bill.
- Kean’s accounts have continued posting legislative updates despite his absence, and his consultant says he will resume a full schedule soon in a district rated a toss-up with a June 2 primary.