A Republican lawmaker who missed months of votes in Washington and was later found to be residing in an assisted-living facility highlighted an unusual reality: how easy it can be for sitting politicians to quietly disappear from Congress.
Former Texas Rep. Kay Granger’s prolonged absence last year was first reported by The Dallas Express in December — her office eventually acknowledged she had been experiencing health challenges during her last year in Congress and her son told The Dallas Morning News she had been experiencing “some dementia issues.” Granger left her post as Appropriations chair in March when she announced she’d retire at the end of the last Congress, but her absence apparently made little difference when Republicans held the majority by about eight seats and could only afford to lose three votes.
Though Speaker Mike Johnson did suffer some embarrassing setbacks when Republican bills couldn’t pass on the floor, members said Granger’s whereabouts made little difference as Democrats held the Senate and White House — and as such, legislation was going to need some Democratic support.