Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress after four months, citing treatment for depression - BERITAJA

WASHINGTON — Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., made his return to the Capitol connected Tuesday, saying he was treated for slump during a about four-month disappearance from the nationalist eye.

It was Kean’s first clip successful the House of Representatives since March 5, having missed much than 140 votes successful the enclosure since then.

“Several months agone owed to wellness concerns I entered the infirmary for immoderate testing. I did not judge that this would consequence successful a semipermanent stay. I was fixed the test of depression,” Kean said successful a reside connected the House floor.

He said his doctors “recommended that I stay successful the infirmary to reside my illness” and added that slump intends much than “feeling sad” — “it is physical, it is emotional, and until you acquisition it yourself, it is difficult to afloat understand really powerful this unwellness could be.”

“Today I americium grateful that I listened to my doctors,” Kean said. “And I’m grateful for the exceptional attraction that I received from doctors, nurses and support staff. I americium grateful that I accepted help. Because coming I guidelines earlier you healthier, stronger and excited to return to the activity that I love.”

Kean ignored questions from reporters arsenic he walked into the Capitol. He did not talk his remarks further aft this speech, alternatively getting into a car and leaving.

Kean’s different absence brought a nationalist spotlight to the two-term congressman, particularly because he represents a swing district that’s expected to beryllium highly competitory this autumn and style the equilibrium of powerfulness successful the House. His legislature agency did not supply accusation about his whereabouts, and colleagues told reporters they hadn’t heard from him. Meanwhile, media outlets flocked to his territory to speak to neighbors and sound connected his door.

Kean, 57, was first elected successful 2022. He was unopposed successful his June 3 superior for renomination to a 3rd word and will look Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a erstwhile Navy chopper pilot, successful November.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., predicted connected Tuesday morning: “I deliberation Tom gets re-elected easy this fall.”