New Jersey Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. has resurfaced on Tuesday after a months-long absence from Congress. Speaking on the floor, Kean stated that he owed his constituents, colleagues, and the American people an explanation for his disappearance.
The congressman had been away from Washington for nearly four months, missing more than 140 votes since March 5. While Kean cited an unspecified medical condition as the reason for his absence, those around him had previously declined to provide specifics regarding the medical issue.
Kean's absence complicated matters for House Republican leaders, who are struggling daily to pass bills with a razor-thin majority. Both the GOP's slim majority and Kean's battleground New Jersey seat had been left in limbo during his time away.
Despite his return to the public eye, Kean did not answer questions from the press. It remains unclear why the congressman chose to keep his constituents in the dark throughout his absence.