Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, stated on Tuesday that elected officials bear a responsibility to be forthright about prolonged periods of absence. His comments came after Representative Tom Kean Jr., a Republican representing New Jersey, publicly shared that his recent months-long time away from congressional duties was for treatment related to depression.
Kean had been notably absent from House votes for an extended period before making his return to the Capitol on Tuesday.
“As someone who has lived with depression, I have deep sympathy for anyone struggling with mental illness. I might not be alive today were it not for a prolonged hospitalization and proper medication. I know the value of taking a medical leave firsthand,” Torres shared in a social media post.
He further elaborated on the balance between personal struggles and public duty. “At the same time, public office carries a duty of transparency. When a public official is absent for an extended period, the public has a right to an honest explanation,” Torres continued.
Torres underscored the benefits of openness, asserting, “Transparency deepens the public’s empathy, whereas secrecy breeds suspicion. When in doubt, err on the side of transparency. Tell the truth, and tell it early. The public is often most forgiving of those who level with them.”
Representative Kean's Disclosure
Representative Kean revealed the reason for his extended absence during a speech delivered on the House floor on Tuesday.
“Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital for some testing. I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression,” he explained to his colleagues.
Kean also spoke about the challenging nature of recovery from mental illness, stating, “But, as the over 48 million of my fellow Americans being treated for this illness have come to discover, there is no timeline for healing. There is no timeline for recovery. Only the work of getting better one day at a time.”
Differing Perspectives on Congressional Absences
Former Representative Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, offered a critical perspective on Kean's announcement. In a post on social media, Kinzinger remarked, “While we can certainly have compassion for him, and should, being in congress is not a right. There are 700,000 other people in his district, and could have done the job. It’s absolutely unforgivable to pretend this wasn’t a dereliction of duty.”
