Representative Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) on Tuesday disclosed he was diagnosed with depression, explaining his absence from Congress for nearly four months. Kean stated that a hospital visit led to the diagnosis and subsequent treatment under doctors’ recommendations.
The New Jersey Republican had been missing from Capitol Hill with no public explanation since earlier this year, raising questions among constituents and colleagues. In a speech on the House floor, Kean explained there was no set timeline for his recovery after receiving the diagnosis. “I was given the diagnosis of depression,” he said, according to the Independent.
The absence occurred during a period when House Republican leaders were facing challenges in passing legislation due to their narrow majority, as noted by the Independent. Axios reported Kean missed nearly four months of House votes.
Kean’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the specific dates of his hospital visit or treatment, according to CNBC. The Washington Times reported that doctors recommended inpatient treatment, keeping him away from his duties in Washington.
According to NPR, Kean's absence left constituents without representation for months. PBS Newshour reported that Kean said he was recovering from depression during the time of his absence.
The diagnosis and treatment prompted a period of leave for Kean, who returned to Congress on Tuesday.
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