The absences of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have led to a proposed bill aimed at increasing transparency among members of Congress regarding their health-related absences. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) is drafting the "Duty of Transparency Act," which would require lawmakers to file a disclosure statement with the House or Senate Ethics Committee if they miss votes for three weeks.
Kean missed nearly four months of House votes due to health issues, later revealing he was hospitalized for depression. McConnell recently disclosed that he was hospitalized after a fall and developed pneumonia during treatment, which had prompted speculation about his health.
The proposed legislation would require members to indicate whether they can perform their duties remotely, provide an expected length of absence, and designate a point of contact in their office. While members would not need to disclose specific medical details, the disclosures would be made public within 48 hours. If a member is incapacitated, their chief of staff could file the disclosure. The bill would also mandate updates every 30 days. However, similar legislation has historically faced challenges in Congress due to resistance from lawmakers to limit their privileges.