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GOP Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress, disclosing he was diagnosed with depression
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey revealed he has been diagnosed with depression, which led to a prolonged hospital stay and his absence from Congress for several months.
- Kean emphasized that depression is a complex illness affecting both physical and emotional health, and stressed the importance of seeking help as a sign of strength.
- His absence has resulted in missing over 140 votes, raising concerns about representation in his competitive district, though House Speaker Mike Johnson assured that Kean's office has remained active and that Kean is expected to recover fully.
- Kean has maintained limited public communication about his condition, promising transparency once he returns to in-person work, while his staff and family have described his illness as serious but temporary.
- Despite the extended absence, Kean continued to engage digitally with legislative duties, including introducing bills and signing documents, and he is running for a third term in the upcoming election.
