Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress after a 117-day absence Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) returned to the House of Representatives on Tuesday and bro...
Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ) returned to the House of Representatives on Tuesday and broke his silence on his mysterious health issues that led to nearly four months of absence from Congress.
Kean was last seen on Capitol Hill on March 5, 117 days ago.
In a speech on the House Floor on Tuesday, Kean revealed that he was diagnosed with depression and that doctors recommended he stay hospitalized for the illness.
“This is not an easy speech for me to give,” Kean began. “I am a private person by nature, and I’ve spent most of my life talking about the people that I represent, the issues facing our communities, and the work that continues to be done. Talking about myself has never come naturally, but I believe that I owe an explanation to the people of New Jersey’s seventh district, to my colleagues in this chamber, and to the American people for my absence.”
He continued, “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.”
“Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think it means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that. It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it’s difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be,” Kean said.
“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 recovery, and to be honest, I was hesitant. I didn’t think that I had time for it. I had responsibilities to my family, I had responsibilities to my constituents, I had responsibilities to this institution, and like many people, I believed that I could simply push through. But I agreed to follow my doctor’s recommendations, again, not believing that it would result in a long-term stay, I began to understand not only my diagnosis but how long depression had been affecting my life.”
Kean described himself as “healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work that I love,” he said, and with “deeper appreciation for the millions of Americans who face these challenges each and every day.”
He went on to thank his constituents, his staff, his family, and his doctors.
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