June 5, 2026 - Senate Passes $70B ICE Funding Bill

Godspeed to Tom Kean Jr. — whatever he's facing.

Here's what we know: since March 5, the New Jersey Republican congressman has not made public appearances, stepped onto the House floor, or cast a vote. Speaker Mike Johnson says he knows the diagnosis but honored Kean's request not to disclose it, describing it as "very common" and promising the public will "breathe a sigh of relief" once revealed. Kean himself issued a statement saying he will "transition from virtual work to in-person work within a matter of weeks" and pledges to be "completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition" at that time.

I have no idea what he is dealing with — but this point needs to be made regardless.

As a society, we've made real progress reducing the stigma around mental illness, but the work isn't finished. Brain health deserves the same respect we give a broken leg or a cardiac event. Full stop.

Compassion and accountability, though, aren't opposites. If a broken leg or a cardiac event had sidelined Kean for three months, we'd be sympathetic — patient, even. And yet at some point, constituents would reasonably ask: when does he return, and if he can't, what then? The same standard applies regardless of what ails him.

The truth is, Kean has been insufficiently forthcoming. He has missed more than 100 votes and has not been spotted in Washington or in his district. His constituents deserve better than vague promises of a future explanation.

Congressman, give us the reason to pray for you.

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