OUT OF ACTION

GOP Congressman Breaks Silence on His Mystery Absence

The New Jersey Republican has not voted since March 5.

New Jersey Republican Thomas Kean Jr. has broken his silence after being absent from Congress for almost two months. In his first public statement since early March, Kean said he has missed nearly two months of House activity due to a “personal medical issue,” but offered few details about his condition or timeline for returning to Washington. “I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent,” he added. He said he expects a full recovery. “My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon.” Kean has not voted since March 5. His absence has caused alarm in the Republican Party as Mike Johnson works with a narrow majority to advance key legislation tied to Donald Trump’s agenda ahead of the midterms. Kean’s absence also comes as Democrats target his competitive Seventh District seat ahead of the November elections. Allies told The New York Times he remains committed to his re-election campaign.