Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is set to return to Congress later this month after a nearly four-month absence that sparked questions on Capitol Hill and among constituents about his health and whereabouts.
Kean’s office confirmed Thursday that the New Jersey lawmaker plans to resume in-person work on June 30.
“Congressman Kean is eager to return to in person work on June 30 and resume a full schedule,” spokesperson Harrison Neely said in a statement.
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The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the congressman, who has not cast a vote in the House since March 5 and has missed more than 130 votes during his absence.
Health Concerns Kept Private
Kean has offered few details about the medical issue that forced him away from Washington.
In April, he publicly acknowledged for the first time that he was dealing with what he described as a “personal medical issue.” However, neither Kean nor his office disclosed the nature of the condition or where he had been receiving treatment.
Earlier this month, Kean said he was making progress in his recovery and expected to return within weeks.
“Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals, I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks,” Kean said in a June 2 statement.
“At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition,” he added.
The statement was released just hours before polls closed in New Jersey’s Republican primary, where Kean faced no opposition for his party’s nomination.
Johnson Says Issue Was Not Serious
Questions about Kean’s prolonged absence reached House leadership as lawmakers continued to operate with a narrow Republican majority.
Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he had recently spoken with Kean and was aware of the health issue but would not discuss specifics.
“What he’s dealing with is not very common and not a big thing,” Johnson said.
The speaker’s comments did little to quell curiosity about the congressman’s condition, particularly given the length of his absence and the lack of public appearances.
Return Comes Ahead of Election Season
Kean, the son of former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean, represents one of the state’s most competitive congressional districts and is expected to face a closely watched reelection campaign this fall.
His return comes as House Republicans prepare for a busy legislative calendar and intensifying campaign season ahead of the November elections.
While Kean has continued to maintain a limited public presence and virtual communications during his recovery, his return to Washington will mark the first time he has participated in congressional proceedings in person since early March.
The congressman has indicated he plans to provide additional information about his health once he resumes full duties.
