Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican, has been away from Capitol Hill for more than a month due to an undisclosed medical situation. He has announced his intention to miss votes again this week while focusing on his recovery.
In a statement released on Monday, Kean thanked his constituents and colleagues for their patience as he deals with this personal issue. He expressed confidence that his recovery is progressing well and anticipates returning to his duties at full capacity shortly.
This announcement marks Kean’s first public comment since his absence began in March, contrasting with prior updates from his office, which provided scant details about his health.
Prior to his absence, Kean maintained an impressive attendance record, having last voted on March 17. His delay in returning has resulted in missing over 50 roll-call votes, raising concerns amid reports that even some colleagues are unaware of his condition. House Speaker Mike Johnson has reached out, offering his support to the GOP leadership.
Although Kean has been out, his team has ensured that constituent services and legislative functions continue seamlessly. Nevertheless, he has not participated in any in-person engagements since mid-March.
This period is particularly significant in Washington, as Republicans hold a narrow majority where every vote is critical. Major issues, including the reauthorization of a key surveillance program and a budget resolution, are on the agenda before a weeklong recess.
Representing a highly contested district in New Jersey, Kean is a top target for Democrats in the upcoming elections. While he faces no primary challenger from his own party, a number of well-funded Democrats are vying to challenge him in the general election.
In his statement, he acknowledged the difficulty of being away during such a pivotal time. “I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult,” Kean stated. He also praised his team for their support and effectiveness during his absence.
