Texas Rep. Kay Granger, 81, found in assisted living facility after months of absence from House votes.
At a Glance
- Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) has not voted since July, raising concerns about her ability to serve.
- Granger is reportedly residing in an assisted living home that provides memory care.
- Her absence has impacted crucial votes, given the GOP’s slim majority in the House.
- Granger’s situation reignites discussions about age and mental acuity of aging politicians in Congress.
Prolonged Absence Raises Concerns
Rep. Kay Granger, the 81-year-old Republican from Texas, has been conspicuously absent from House votes since July, prompting questions about her whereabouts and ability to fulfill her congressional duties. Recent reports indicate that Granger is residing in a memory care unit and assisted living home, confirmed by employees and video evidence. This prolonged absence has raised significant concerns among her constituents in Texas’ 12th Congressional District, especially given the GOP’s slim majority in the House.
Granger’s absence during crucial voting periods has not gone unnoticed. She missed a vital spending bill vote in December, further fueling speculation about her health and capacity to serve. Attempts to contact Granger or her office have been unsuccessful, and one of her district offices has already been closed, adding to the mounting concerns about her status.
Office of GOP TX Rep Kay Granger says the retiring Congresswoman is NOT in memory care. However she is in a retirement facility. But it is a facility which provides memory care. Granger statement:
“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of care and concern over the past several…
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 22, 2024
Impact on Congressional Duties
As the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, Granger’s marked decline has raised significant questions about her ability to carry out her duties effectively until her planned retirement at the end of the current Congress. She stepped down from her role as chair in March, a move that now appears to have been a precursor to her extended absence.
The situation has been described as a “sad and humiliating way to end her political career” by Rolando Garcia, a member of the Texas Republican Executive Committee. Garcia’s comments reflect the growing concern within the party about Granger’s condition and its impact on her constituents’ representation.
Dementia Concerns and Memory Care Facility
Reports suggest that Granger was found lost and confused in her neighborhood, leading to her stay at a memory care facility. This development has reignited discussions about the age and mental acuity of aging politicians in Congress, drawing parallels to other members like the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who faced similar scrutiny.
Brandon Granger, the congresswoman’s son, acknowledged that Rep. Granger has been “having some dementia issues late in the year.” This candid admission underscores the severity of her condition and explains her extended absence from congressional duties.
Political Implications and Criticism
Local officials have expressed disappointment over Granger’s absence during crucial voting periods. Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French criticized the lack of representation for the district, describing the situation as “troubling to say the least.” The absence of such a senior member of Congress during critical votes has raised questions about the effectiveness of representation and the need for transparency regarding lawmakers’ health conditions.
Despite the concerns, Granger and her staff will remain on the payroll until January 3, 2025, as per congressional rules. This situation has sparked debates about the implications of seniority in Congress and the need for mechanisms to address prolonged absences due to health issues. Public figures and commentators have also criticized the lack of media coverage on this matter, highlighting the need for greater transparency in such cases.
