Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been off Capitol Hill for more than a month with an undisclosed medical issue, and the New Jersey Republican says he will miss votes again this week as he works toward what doctors expect will be a full recovery.
“I want to thank my constituents and colleagues for their patience as I address a personal medical issue,” Kean said in a statement released Monday. “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. I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.”
The update marks the first time Kean himself has publicly addressed the situation since his absence began in March. Until now, statements had come from his office, offering little detail about his condition or timeline for returning.
Kean, a two-term congressman from Westfield, last cast a vote on March 17. Since then, he has missed more than 50 roll-call votes, a sharp break from his near-perfect attendance record during his first three years in office. Staff initially said he was dealing with a medical issue and would be back “soon,” a timeline that has stretched well beyond a month.
The extended absence has drawn attention in Washington, with reports noting that even some of Kean’s colleagues have been left in the dark about his status. House Speaker Mike Johnson said last week that he had spoken directly with Kean, offering some reassurance to GOP leadership.
Credit: Office of Congressman Tom Kean Jr.
While Kean has been out, his office says constituent services and legislative operations have continued without interruption. Still, the congressman has not appeared at in-person events or meetings since mid-March.
His absence comes at a critical stretch on Capitol Hill. With Republicans holding a narrow majority, every vote carries weight. The House is expected to take up a reauthorization of a key surveillance program and a budget resolution that would pave the way for tens of billions of dollars in new Department of Homeland Security funding before lawmakers break for a weeklong recess.
Back home, Kean represents one of the most competitive districts in New Jersey, a top target for Democrats heading into November. He faces no primary challenger on the Republican side, but several well-funded Democrats are competing for the chance to take him on in the general election.
In his statement, Kean acknowledged the strain of being away from Washington during such a high-stakes period.
“I take my responsibilities seriously and have a strong record of showing up and delivering, which makes this absence all the more difficult,” Kean said. “I am especially proud of my congressional team, who have kept constituent services and legislative work moving forward without interruption, and my political team for ensuring the campaign continues to run strong.”
