An 81-year-old Republican congresswoman's prolonged absence from Capitol Hill raises questions about congressional leadership and representation.
According to Fox News, Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, who has not cast a vote since July 24, is currently residing in a retirement facility, though her office denies reports that she is specifically in a memory care unit.
The veteran legislator, who has served in the House since 1997, has missed over 54% of votes this year, marking a significant departure from her duties in Congress. Her office confirmed that while she is staying in a facility that provides memory care services, she is not in the memory care unit itself, contrary to earlier reports by the Dallas Express.
Granger addressed the situation through a statement acknowledging her recent health struggles. She explained that since early September, these challenges have made frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. Despite her physical absence, she emphasized that her staff continues to provide constituent services.
In November, the congresswoman attended a significant event at the Capitol, where her portrait was unveiled in recognition of her role as Appropriations Committee Chairwoman. House Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise participated in the ceremony, highlighting the backing she still receives from Republican leadership.
A senior Republican insider explained the strategic reasoning for her decision to stay in office despite her limited presence. The insider acknowledged that maintaining her position was crucial to preserving the party's numerical advantage in Congress.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has publicly criticized Granger's prolonged absence, viewing it as symptomatic of broader issues within Congress. He expressed his concerns through social media, suggesting the need for significant reforms in congressional operations.
Khanna's criticism extends beyond party lines, as evidenced by his previous calls for Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein to step down during her health-related absence. His stance reflects growing concerns about age and attendance in Congress.
The situation highlights the delicate balance facing the Republican Party, which holds a slim majority in the House. Every vote becomes crucial in this context, making extended absences particularly significant for party leadership.
Granger, who previously served as Fort Worth's first female mayor, has announced her retirement at the end of this congressional term. Her lengthy tenure in Congress spans nearly three decades of public service.
Rep. Granger released a statement addressing her situation:
As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years.
The impact of her absence extends beyond immediate legislative matters, raising questions about representation and accountability in Congress.
Rep. Kay Granger's current situation represents the culmination of a 27-year congressional career marked by significant achievements, including becoming the first female mayor of Fort Worth before her time in Congress. Her extended absence from Capitol Hill since July 2024, attributed to health challenges, has affected the Republican Party's slim majority in the House. While residing in a retirement facility in Texas, Granger continues to serve until the end of her term, though her ability to participate in congressional votes remains limited.
