'Doctors recommended I remain in the hospital': Rep. Tom Kean explains his absence from Congress

After a four-month absence and more than 100 missed votes, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) returned to the House floor on Tuesday to address his constituents. Kean, the scion of a prominent New Jersey political family, revealed that his extended disappearance was due to a clinical depression diagnosis, one that he had not expected. Kean said that what began as hospital testing for health concerns quickly evolved into a long-term stay.

"I was given the diagnosis of depression," an emotional Kean said on the House floor, "It is physical, it is emotional, and until you've experienced it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be. The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recovery. And to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn't think that I had time for it."

Kean explained that he decided to follow the advice of his doctors despite not believing in it at first. But in his journey to overcome depression, he began to understand it. "When I first informed the public that I was dealing with a medical issue, I was still trying to understand what was happening myself. When I said that I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates the doctors could provide," he said.

The New Jersey Representative went on to thank the medical professionals who helped him in recent months, his office for discharging the duties of a Representative despite his absence, and his family for the love and support he had received from them. Taking to X, Kean shared his speech and revealed that it was difficult for him to make it as he was a "private person." "I’m healthier, stronger, and more determined than ever to serve the people of New Jersey’s Seventh District," he added.

The New Jersey Republican had last voted in the House on March 5 before taking his leave of absence. Endorsed by President Donald Trump,  Kean was able to win an uncontested primary on June 2. As per the Associated Press, Kean's district is one of great interest ahead of the midterm elections in November. He is set to go up against the Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Bennett released a statement in which she expressed relief that her opponent was healthy.

However, she made it clear that Kean had been "failing our community" long before he was admitted to the hospital. "Tom Kean Jr. still somehow found time to trade stocks while missing votes. This is the self-serving culture in Washington that New Jerseyans are rejecting, and the kind of behavior they are sick and tired of from career politicians," she wrote.

While Kean took time off for medical reasons, GOP lawmakers in the House had to contend with one less member. Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives (218-212), which sometimes makes it hard for the GOP to get bills passed. Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican members of Congress said that they had been in contact with Kean during his period of absence, but said that he'd have to address his absence himself.