While deeming a colleague’s absence excuse as “embarrassing,” Colorado Rep. Laurent Boebert (R) cut to the real problem in what it means for voters.
Since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second administration, the narrow Republican majority has factored heavily, even impacting his choice for certain nominations. Tuesday, after learning that New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R) blamed his months-long absence on depression, Boebert boiled the issue down to “taxation without representation.”
Outside the Capitol Building, the Colorado lawmaker spoke with TMZ DC’s co-Managing Editor Jacob Wasserman, where she first made light of the excuse itself before making her point that those unable or unwilling to do the job should step aside.
After the reporter raised the excuse of “severe depression,” Boebert responded with a reference to a Facebook meme, “I don’t even think he used the word ‘severe.’ He just said he was diagnosed with depression. I, for one, have been marked safe from depression today,” before she went on, “I think it’s embarrassing, still, even more so. I mean, sure, like, take care of yourself, get healthy. But who gets to take four months off of work because they’re sad?”
😳 Rep. Lauren Boebert torches Rep. Tom Kean for his 4-month absence due to depression.
🎥: @jacob_wass pic.twitter.com/BmwE5Vy4SR
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 30, 2026
“Like, that’s not a-” the congresswoman was interrupted by the reporter, “Well, he might not be sad. I mean, it’s-” before she countered, “Depressed. He’s depressed. He’s sad. And, okay, whatever the reasons, maybe it’s embarrassing. I don’t care what party you’re part of, it’s not okay. I mean, I think there’s a dose of depression that comes with these pins that we’re given, and so I mean, if you can’t build up a tolerance to it, then maybe don’t be here.”
From the House floor, Kean explained how he’d gone to the hospital for tests and “did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay.”
“Now, when people hear the word depression, many people think it simply means feeling sad, but depression is so much more than that,” he continued. “It is physical, it is emotional, and until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be. The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness.”
While Boebert appeared unaware of Kean’s hospitalization explanation, she went on, “I do think it is an absolute disrespect to his voters that he has not shown up and had a reason like that. If you’re depressed, okay, come in the back door, put your card in, vote and leave. You don’t have to talk to anybody. You can keep your head down low, vote and go home,” and added her belief, “everyone is more frustrated today at the reasoning”
“That is literally taxation without representation. It is absolutely awful,” she contended. “I can’t imagine missing one or two days. I have an upcoming event in July that I may have to miss one day here, and that is absolutely driving me bonkers that that might be possible.”
Though some spoke up in defense of those with mental illness, others challenged both the absence and Kean’s continued representation of his constituents if he happens to be on any kind of medication.
@tomkean is sick and should resign. I am not making light of his depression, but we don’t need someone in congress who is potentially unstable OR under the influence of mind altering depression meds.
Tom, take your congressional pension, go home, and let a solid MAGA-man take…
— David Wells (@HeDwells) July 1, 2026
If you miss more than a month as a congressperson, you should be automatically removed
— Cameron Crum (@CameronCrum) July 1, 2026
Considering that Congressional reps have two year terms with only 147 working days, this is outrageous. Keane was not there doing the work of The People and should have resigned. Instead, he ghosted. No one knew his whereabouts or medical condition during his absence. Demand…
— Felice (@FeliceJMiller1) June 30, 2026
I get it.
Mental health is important, but the level of the job requires full attention.
It isn’t entry level.— RushHiker (@RushHiker) June 30, 2026
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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