Representative Tom Kean (R-N.J.) announced on June 30 that he missed nearly four months of House votes due to a diagnosis of depression. This absence was one of the longest for a sitting member of Congress, leaving New Jersey's 7th District without representation for over 100 days.
In a speech on the House floor, Kean explained that he had entered the hospital for testing due to health concerns and was subsequently diagnosed with depression. He stated that his doctors recommended he remain hospitalized. This speech marked his first detailed public explanation for his absence since his last vote on March 5.
Kean had previously described his situation as a "personal medical issue" in an April statement, indicating he expected to fully recover but did not provide further details until now. His office did not specify a timeline for his return until June 18, when it was confirmed he would return on June 30. During his absence, he missed over 100 consecutive House votes.
Kean noted that he initially believed he would return within weeks based on his doctors' estimates. His absence had implications for House GOP leaders, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has a narrow majority and can only afford to lose a few votes on party-line bills. Some Democrats and constituents criticized the lack of transparency regarding Kean's condition and return date.