Boebert: Kean explanation for absence 'embarrassing'
Bias ratings based on AllSides + Ad Fontes Media. Agreement % = sources covering this story. Always read multiple sources and think critically.
Boebert: Kean explanation for absence 'embarrassing'
New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress after mysterious absence
Reading multiple sources helps you spot framing differences. Neither left- nor right-leaning outlets are always wrong — or always right.
Comments: by Max Rego - 07/01/26 9:05 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Max Rego - 07/01/26 9:05 AM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Rep.
Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) on Monday criticized fellow GOP Rep. for his four-month absence from Congress after the New Jersey lawmaker returned to the Capitol. “I think it’s embarrassing,” Boebert told TMZ on Capitol Hill.
Earlier in the day, Kean returned to the House floor for the first time since early March — after missing more than 100 votes. In explaining the reason for his disappearance, the Garden State Republican said he was hospitalized for depression. While Boebert said Monday it is important for her colleague to “take care” of himself and “get healthy,” she wondered “who gets to take four months off of work because they’re sad?” She added, “Whatever the reasons may be, it’s embarrassing.
I don’t care what party you’re a part of, it’s not OK.” The conservative firebrand also elected not to endorse Kean, saying she believes in “proper representation” despite her preference for Republicans to keep their House majority. The New Jersey lawmaker is in a difficult reelection battle against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, in a race the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates as a “toss-up.” During a speech on Tuesday morning, Kean said doctors diagnosed him with severe depression and recommended he remain in the hospital to address the illness. The lawmaker added he was “grateful” he heeded their advice, noting he is now “healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work I love.” A Gallup survey from last year found that 18.3 percent of respondents said they were either being treated or were treated for depression, equating to an estimated 47.8 million Americans.
The percentage of those dealing with or having dealt with depression increased by nearly 6 points since 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How 📺 PBS NewsHour Covers It
Independent journalism takes investment Right now, yours goes twice as far. Give now to help PBS News start our new fiscal year strong. Close Popup PBS News New Jersey Rep.
Think About This
What questions does this story raise for you? Talk with your family: Why does this news matter? Who is affected? What might happen next? Is there anything you can do?
- Ask your child: “Why do you think people care about boebert kean? How might this affect families like ours?”
- Compare sources: The bias rating above shows how this outlet leans. Try finding one more source that covers the same story. Do they agree? What’s different?
- Media literacy: Ask: “What facts does this story give us? What opinions does it include? Who is speaking, and why might they say this?”
KiddieDaily is built for families — balanced sources, no agenda, no ads. Always read the original source and think for yourself.
Original Sources
🔍 Want to verify this story? Check it on Google Fact Check Explorer →
More stories: Kid News · Archive · Fact Check