Kean avoids McConnell absence questions

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. declined to comment on Sen. Mitch McConnell's prolonged absence since his June 14 hospitalization.

Kean also avoided questions about age or congressional term limits following McConnell's health crisis.

Kean himself was absent from the House for nearly four months earlier in 2026 while receiving treatment for clinical depression.

Kean's return to Congress in late June followed criticism over his lack of contact, termed 'radio silence' by other Republicans.

Rep. Norma Torres plans to introduce legislation requiring lawmakers to disclose more information during extended health-related absences, citing Kean and McConnell.