'There is no timeline for healing': Tom Kean Jr reveals depression caused 117-day Congress absence

WASHINGTON, DC: Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, June 30, and revealed that depression was behind his 117-day absence from Congress. 

His disclosure answered questions that had lingered since March after he stopped voting and largely disappeared from public view. It also renewed attention on how his prolonged absence complicated Republicans' already narrow House majority while leaving constituents with few answers.

Tom Kean Jr details depression diagnosis

Speaking on the House floor, Kean Jr said he initially entered the hospital for testing but soon learned he was facing a much more serious health challenge.

"Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression," he said.

Kean Jr, who represents a swing district in New Jersey, last voted on March 5. His office later said only that he was dealing with a "personal health matter" and expected to return "soon."

The congressman, describing himself as "a private person by nature," said his recovery lasted far longer than he expected.

"The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that this would be the fastest way to recover, and to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn't think that I had time for it," Kean Jr said.

He added that when he first informed the public he was dealing with a medical issue, "I was still trying to understand what was happening myself."

Tom Kean Jr explains lengthy recovery

Kean acknowledged that his original estimate for returning to Washington proved inaccurate because there was no predictable recovery timetable. 

"When I said I hope to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it," he said. "Those were the best estimates the doctors could provide, but as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing."

Kean Jr noted that accepting treatment ultimately made the difference.

"I am grateful that I accepted help, because today I stand before you healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love," the New Jersey Republican told colleagues.

Mike Johnson defends Tom Kean Jr's absence

Kean Jr's unexplained absence fueled months of speculation while Republicans worked with a razor-thin House majority. Last week, a New York Times reporter located him at his New Jersey home, but he declined to comment.

The congressman also reportedly traded stocks during his absence, prompting criticism from Democrats hoping to unseat him and reclaim the House majority in November's midterm elections.

Before Kean Jr's floor remarks, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the congressman while acknowledging the situation could have been handled differently.

"There's no conspiracy involved in this, there's nothing scandalous at all. He has a health condition, as he said," Johnson told reporters. "If it were me, I would have been more specific about that, and I encouraged him to be."