Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.), who missed more than three months of work to treat clinical depression, has historically opposed paid leave policies that would enable other workers to take similar time off. Kean, a second-term Republican, returned to the Capitol this week after being hospitalized for depression since March. During his tenure in the New Jersey legislature, Kean voted against bills requiring paid leave and supported legislation that would have prevented New Jersey towns from enacting their own paid leave requirements.
Kean's Voting Record on Paid Leave
In 2015, Kean backed a package of pro-business proposals that included a ban on local paid leave mandates. “Our solutions won’t cost taxpayers any extra money,” Kean said at the time. His opposition to paid leave continued during his first unsuccessful congressional bid in 2020, when he voted against sick leave measures. Democrats have since criticized him for denying workers the same benefits he received as a member of Congress.
Criticism from Senator Andy Kim
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) expressed support for Kean’s recovery but condemned his stance on paid sick leave. “I believe every person should have access to mental health support, including paid time off and sick leave,” Kim wrote on Facebook. “Congressman Kean has opposed these very benefits for all workers that Members of Congress get. It’s time for that to change.” Kean’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Kean's Leave and National Context
Kean vanished from Washington in March, citing a personal medical issue. He later announced he had been hospitalized for depression, saying he struggled with his doctors’ advice to remain hospitalized despite his obligations. “I didn’t think that I had time for it,” he said. “I had responsibilities to my family. I had responsibilities to my constituents. I had responsibilities to this institution.” The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee workers paid time off for illness, childbirth, vacation, or holidays. Federal law requires large employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for sickness or other emergencies.
Advocacy Group Response
Dawn Huckelbridge, director of the advocacy group Paid Leave for All Action, told HuffPost: “I wish Congressman Kean healing and a full recovery. But a four-month leave with fully paid salary is something few Americans have access to — he’s enjoyed rights that he directly voted against for his own constituents.” Kean was not yet in Congress when the House voted in 2021 on a Democratic bill that included paid leave policies; the bill did not become law. Republicans have not taken up paid leave since gaining control of the House in 2023. Kean voted for the Republican tax bill last year and its accompanying Medicaid cuts, which could reduce access to mental health services for low-income Americans.
