represent. Tom Keane Jr., a Republican from New Jersey, declined to comment on the senator’s lengthy absence. Mitch McConnellHis health status has been kept secret since he was hospitalized on June 14.
Kean also did not join calls for age limits or congressional term limits, according to a video shared by journalist Nicholas Barassi.
Kean’s comments come as questions remain over the 84-year-old Kentucky senator, who has not been seen in public since being hospitalized. McConnell missed weeks of Senate votes, and his office has released only limited updates on his condition.
Keane refuses to comment amid health crisis
Kean, speaking to reporters, declined to comment on McConnell’s absence or whether Congress should consider age or term limits for senators following his hospitalization. Keane himself was absent from the House of Representatives for nearly four months earlier this year and later publicly revealed that he had been receiving treatment for clinical depression.
Kean returned to Congress in late June and told the House of Representatives that he had sought treatment for depression.
Even before Keene’s condition was disclosed, his absence was a source of intense concern among New Jersey political circles. Other Republicans reportedly called the silence “radio silence.” Even before the reasons for Kean’s absence were made public, the Republican-led town was already unhappy with the lack of contact from its representatives.
That prompted lawmakers to revisit questions about disclosure requirements for members of Congress facing serious health problems.
Axios previously reported that Rep. Norma Torres plans to introduce legislation that would require lawmakers to provide more information if they are absent from Congress for extended periods of time due to health reasons following the Kean and McConnell incidents.
McConnell’s absence continues to spark controversy
McConnell was taken to a Washington-area hospital on June 14. His office initially said only that he was “receiving quality care,” but later said he was continuing to recover. The lack of details has led to widespread speculation about his health and ability to carry out his Senate duties.
On July 12, McConnell broke weeks of silence and issued a written statement explaining that he fell, briefly lost consciousness and later developed mild pneumonia. He said doctors performed extensive tests and he is recovering in a rehabilitation facility while continuing to oversee the Senate’s work with staff.
Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, said they had spoken with McConnell and said he was conducting Senate business, ABC News reported. However, his office has not yet announced when he will return to Capitol Hill.
