Missing congressman and his staff paint a picture of business as usual

CongressMissing congressman and his staff paint a picture of business as usualRep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., has offered little explanation for his ongoing absence. His social media posts highlight how Capitol Hill staffers have come to cover for bosses who are MIA.Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., last voted in the House on March 5.Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 5, 2026, 5:00 AM EDTBy Scott Wong and Kyle StewartWASHINGTON — In recent weeks, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has launched a “Hometown Heroes” program honoring first responders in his district. He has said he’s joining the Congressional Crypto Caucus. And he announced he had co-sponsored a bill to combat discrimination against Sikh Americans.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Looking at those social media posts, you’d have no idea that Kean, a 57-year-old New Jersey Republican, hasn’t voted or been seen in public for more than three months.Kean’s office has posted almost daily on X, Instagram and other social media sites as he deals with what his team has called a “personal medical issue.”Absent from Washington, Kean has continued to author legislation, including a bill introduced May 29 that focuses on the screening and early detection of preeclampsia. He has also submitted remarks to the Congressional Record that make it appear that he was in the Capitol delivering a speech. “I rise today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Jewish Federation of West Central New Jersey,” said an entry from Kean on Tuesday.Kean’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment for this article.It’s not unusual for lawmakers’ staffs to post updates for them. And Kean isn’t the first member of Congress to have social media posts implying he is staying active and engaged with his constituents while he is out of the public eye. But the posts have raised eyebrows as his whereabouts remain unknown and his office has stayed tight-lipped about...