AREA— Congressman Tom Kean Jr. addressed the House floor and revealed the reason for his almost four-month absence on Tuesday morning.

“This is not an easy speech for me to give. I am a private person by nature…but I believe 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,” Kean said.

Kean, who has not voted or been seen in the Capitol since March 5, said that he entered hospital care “several months ago due to health concerns” but did not expect a “long-term stay.”

The Congressman revealed that he was later diagnosed with depression.

Kean highlighted the stigma surrounding the condition.

“When people hear the word depression, manythinkitsimplymeansfeeling sad,” he said,” but depression is so muchmore than that. It is physical. It is emotional. Untilyouexperienceityourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.”

Kean said he was admitted into long-term care on the recommendations of his medical team despite his initial reluctance to accept hospitalization.

Representatives from Kean’s office announced that he was dealing with a “medical issue” onApril 27 but failed to provide any additional information.

“When I said I hoped to return in a matter of weeks, I believed it. Those were the best estimates the doctors could provide. But, as the over 48 million of my fellowAmericans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing,” he said.

Kean showed gratitude towards the medical staff who tended to him, citing their help as the reason behind his ability to come back “healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work I love.”

He declared himself as a supporter ofmental health care and highlighted the work he has previously done to “advance mental health parity.” He

8 stated that asking for help is strength.

Kean concluded his speech thanking his constituents and staff for their patience, work, understanding and prayers. He also thanked his family for their support.

“If sharing my story encourages even one person to seek help, if it gives one family the courage to have a difficult conversation, or if it reminds one person that recovery is possible, then this moment will have been worthwhile,” stated Kean. “I am grateful to be back with the full support of my doctors. I am grateful to be healthy. And I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District.”

Kean will continue to seek reelection in November despite his ongoing challenges and will face off against Democrat Rebecca Bennet.