Kean’s Depression Disclosure Reveals Gaps in Congressional Transparency

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. publicly disclosed a severe depression after a lengthy absence from the floor, highlighting persistent stigma around mental illness in Congress and the lack of formal health-disclosure rules for lawmakers. The piece compares his openness with peers like John Fetterman and Yadira Caraveo, notes potential political risks and benefits of transparency, and underscores the broader debate over how lawmakers report health issues and how mental health parity laws could be better enforced.