Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) disclosed on Tuesday that he missed nearly four months of House votes because of a diagnosis of depression, ending weeks of speculation over his prolonged absence. The New Jersey Republican took to the House floor to deliver his first detailed public explanation since last voting on March 5.
Kean's disappearance left New Jersey's 7th District without a voting representative for more than 100 days, making it one of the longest absences by a sitting member of Congress. Kean said he entered the hospital for testing due to health concerns and did not expect a long-term stay before receiving the depression diagnosis.
"Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression," Kean said on the House floor Tuesday morning. His doctors recommended he remain in the hospital.
"This is not an easy speech for me to give, I am a private person by nature...But I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey's 7th district, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for my absence," Kean said. He previously stated in April that he was dealing with a personal medical issue and was expected to fully recover.
The revelation brings transparency to a situation that had drawn scrutiny and highlighted the challenges of mental health in public office. Kean's return allows his district to regain representation in Congress as he resumes his duties.