Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. returned to Congress on June 30, 2026, after a three-month absence attributed to treatment for depression. His last vote was on March 5, and during his absence, concerns arose among his colleagues regarding his well-being. Kean stated that he was hospitalized for testing related to health concerns and was diagnosed with depression, which he described as a complex illness that is both physical and emotional. He emphasized the importance of understanding the challenges faced by those dealing with depression, noting that over 48 million Americans are currently being treated for the condition.
Despite his absence, Kean continued to receive his congressional salary of $174,000 and was able to trade stocks during this period. He acknowledged that he did not provide detailed information about his health condition earlier because he was still trying to understand it himself. Kean expressed gratitude to his constituents for their patience and indicated that he would be attending a fundraiser for his re-election bid on the same day he returned to Congress.