New Jersey Republican Absent From Congress for Over Two Months Due to Health Issue

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. will remain absent from Congress for over two months due to an unspecified health issue, with his office saying he will return to a full schedule soon. The New Jersey Republican has not voted since March 5, according to congressional tracking site GovTrack.

During that period he has missed 70 roll-call votes in the House, including measures to end a government shutdown and to extend a warrantless surveillance program. "Congressman Kean is still attending to a personal health matter, and we appreciate the outpouring of support," Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s chief of staff, said in a statement Monday.

" Kean, 57, has not disclosed the nature of his health issue or a specific date for his return. His office has repeatedly stated for weeks that he would resume his congressional responsibilities soon.

Kean’s continued absence has an outsize impact on House Republicans’ narrow majority. The chamber can afford to lose only a handful of votes on party-line legislation. Democrats have also faced attendance challenges in recent weeks. One lawmaker spoke with Kean by phone in April and expressed confidence in his full recovery.

The prolonged absence occurs as Kean seeks a third term in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up after shifting its outlook toward Democrats last year. House Democrats' campaign arm is expected to target the seat aggressively.

Four Democratic candidates are competing in a crowded primary scheduled for June, while Kean faces no Republican challengers and holds an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Kean’s office has continued to post on social media during his recovery.

"The Congressman’s team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted," Scharfenberger said in a statement.