House Speaker Mike Johnson said he knows the health-related reason why Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) has been absent from Congress for months.

The prolonged absence of a sitting member of the House of Representatives raises questions about constituent representation for northwestern New Jersey and the transparency of congressional leadership.

Kean has not voted on the House floor since March 5, 2026 [2]. This gap in attendance has lasted 77 days [1], a period described by some as approximately three months [3]. During this time, the congressman has remained away from the U.S. Capitol.

Johnson said that Kean is working remotely while he recovers from a rare health issue [4]. While the Speaker indicated he is aware of the specific circumstances, he declined to disclose further details to the public [5].

Reports on the Speaker's level of knowledge vary. Some sources indicate Johnson knows the cause of the absence [5], while other reports suggest he does not know the details [6]. Additionally, some reporting indicates that no one seems to fully know what happened to the congressman [7].

Kean's office has not provided a detailed public medical update. The congressman continues to represent his district from a remote capacity while undergoing recovery for the undisclosed condition [4].

“Kean has not voted on the House floor since March 5, 2026.”

The absence of a member of Congress for over two months without a detailed public explanation creates a vacuum in legislative representation. While the Speaker's assertion that Kean is working remotely suggests continuity of operations, the lack of transparency regarding the health crisis may fuel speculation and political scrutiny regarding the representative's ability to fulfill his duties.