GOP congressman absent another week as questions swirl about his health

Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) has now been absent from Congress for weeks due to an unspecified medical issue, with at least another week to go, reported the New Jersey Globe on Monday, and there's no explanation forthcoming from his office.

"Kean has been absent from Congress for more than a month, and little information has been provided about what’s ailing him or when he’s expected to return," reported Joey Fox. "He last cast a vote on March 5, and has missed 37 roll-call votes beginning on March 16; after his first week of missed votes ... The congressman has also not made any in-person appearances recently, and photos posted in the last few weeks to his social media account appear to have been taken prior to the start of his medical issue."

"His office remains active, introducing legislation and penning letters to Trump administration officials, but Kean’s day-to-day involvement in its work is unknown," noted the report.

Last week, spokesperson Harrison Nealy put forth a statement that Kean is “expected to be totally fine” and that he will be “back to a full schedule soon.”

That statement, however, still didn't provide any details about exact timelines, or what specifically is wrong with the congressman.

House Republicans, who have faced razor-thin margins in their House majority of just a few votes for the entire term, have had to deal with other unexpected medical problems among their ranks. In early January, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) unexpectedly passed away after being hospitalized for an aortic dissection.