Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Wednesday defended Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s (R-NJ) prolonged absence from the Capitol, saying his colleague was dealing with a health issue and would provide “full transparency” when he returns.
“It’s not a scandalous thing at all.
People deal with health issues,” the speaker told reporters.
Rep. Kean has not voted in Congress since March 5 or appeared in public for several months.
The lawmaker, who received President Trump’s endorsement ahead of his Tuesday primary, has said he is dealing with a medical condition and will return to public life soon.
“Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals, I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks,” the congressman said in a statement Tuesday. “At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition.”
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