Speaker Johnson says he knows why Rep. Kean is absent but won't discuss, 'not a scandalous thing'

House Speaker Mike Johnson says fellow Republican Rep. Tom Kean told him what medical condition had caused his months-long absence but asked that he not to disclose it. 

Kean told supporters in April that he would return to Capitol Hill on a full schedule "very soon," after he disappeared for weeks because of a medical issue. He missed over 100 roll call votes since March 5, but his office continued providing constituency work. Kean's office also introduced legislation during his absence. 

The lawmaker has not provided details on the health issue, but said it was "personal," and highlighted his previous track record of "showing up and delivering." 

Johnson told reporters Wednesday that Kean is in "good spirits" and that he will honor Kean's request not to reveal the medical condition that caused the absence, the New York Post reported. 

"It’s not a scandalous thing at all," the Louisiana lawmaker said. "People deal with health issues. Maybe that’s a newsflash for you, but even members of Congress get sick as well."