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2h ago

Tom Kean Jr. Returns to House, Says He Was Hospitalized for Depression

The disclosure ends months of public uncertainty and raises questions about missed votes, actions taken by his office during his leave, and the effect on the razor-thin GOP majority.

FILE - Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., listens during a Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs about Belarus on Capitol Hill, Dec. 5, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, file)
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US Rep. Tom Kean, a Republican from New Jersey, who is returning from an unexplained months-long absence, arrives for an expected floor speech at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on June 30.
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Overview

  • Kean reappeared at the U.S. Capitol and spoke on the House floor Tuesday, saying he entered the hospital for testing, was diagnosed with depression, and stayed for extended treatment.
  • He had not voted since March 5 and missed more than 100 roll-call votes during his absence, a gap various outlets reported at roughly 100 to 140 missed votes.
  • Reporting shows Kean’s office remained active while he was away, filing legislation, approving staff travel, posting on social media, and his financial disclosures record stock trades in March.
  • The return removes the core mystery but prompted immediate scrutiny from colleagues and opponents about transparency and timing, with Speaker Mike Johnson saying he had encouraged Kean to be forthcoming.
  • Kean’s disclosure matters for voters and House business because he represents competitive New Jersey’s 7th District and his prolonged absence put added strain on the narrow Republican majority and the November race.