House Republican misses another week of votes as health absence strains thin majority

"Congressman Kean is still attending to a personal health matter, and we appreciate the outpouring of support," Dan Scharfenberger, Kean's chief of staff, said in a statement Monday. "He will be returning to a regular full schedule soon."

Kean, 57, has not specified when he plans to return to work or the nature of his health issue. His office has insisted for weeks that he would resume his congressional responsibilities "soon." 

Johnson said in April that he spoke with Kean on the phone and expects him to make a full recovery.

"Tom is one of the most dedicated and hardest-working members of Congress, and I am grateful for all he does and will continue to do to serve New Jerseyans and our country," Johnson said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

Kean's prolonged absence from Washington comes as he faces a potentially difficult re-election battle in one of the country's most contested districts. House Democrats' campaign arm is expected to aggressively target the swing seat and four Democratic candidates are vying to take him on in a crowded June primary. 

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as a "toss-up" after downgrading the race in favor of Democrats last year.

Kean's office has continued to post on social media while he recovers from the undisclosed medical issue.

"The Congressman's team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted," Scharfenberger said in a statement.