House Speaker Says He Knows Reason for Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Absence

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he knows the health issue that has kept Rep. Tom Kean Jr. away from Congress since March 5 but will not release the information. “I do know what his health issue is, but he’s asked me not to disclose that, and I’m going to honor that,” Johnson told reporters.

Johnson added that Kean is in good spirits and described the absence as a routine health matter rather than anything scandalous.

Background on the Absence Kean last cast a roll-call vote on March 5 and has missed more than 100 votes since then. His office has continued constituency work and introduced legislation during the period. Kean won his primary election Tuesday while working remotely and said he would provide more details upon his return.

Kean’s chief of staff told The New York Times last month that there are no cameras where Kean is located. His father told NJ.com that Kean would likely return to Capitol Hill in two or three weeks. Johnson said Kean remains eager to resume in-person attendance.