In an unexpected turn for one of the longest-serving members of Congress, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) has not cast a vote since July, despite several high-profile votes in the House of Representatives. This has sparked widespread speculation about her health and ability to fulfill her duties, particularly as her tenure comes to an end.
Granger, 81, announced earlier this year that she would retire after this session, capping a remarkable career that began in 1997 and included a historic role as the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. However, her prolonged absence has drawn scrutiny, with constituents and political observers alike questioning her whereabouts.
Speculation on Granger's Health
The Dallas Express reported that Granger may currently reside in a memory care unit and assisted living facility. According to the outlet, a tip from a constituent and confirmation from two employees at the facility supported this claim. A video accompanying the report added further fuel to the fire, although the congresswoman herself was not reached for comment.
Granger’s office refuted the memory care claims in a statement to High Plains Pundit, attributing her absence to “unforeseen health challenges.” In the statement, Granger expressed gratitude for the support she has received and acknowledged that her health had made frequent travel to Washington, D.C., increasingly difficult.
“Since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable,” Granger said, adding that her staff has continued to provide constituent services during her absence.
Despite her health struggles, Granger made a brief return to Capitol Hill in November for the unveiling of a portrait honoring her contributions to the Appropriations Committee. During the visit, she also met with her staff and began wrapping up her Washington office.
A Tumultuous End to a Distinguished Career
Granger’s decision to step down from her influential role as Appropriations Committee chair in March raised eyebrows earlier this year. She cited a sense of accomplishment and readiness to move on in her resignation letter, but her recent absences have cast a shadow over her final months in office.
Criticism has also mounted. Rolando Garcia, a member of the Texas Republican Executive Committee, called her situation “a sad and humiliating way to end her political career.”
“The fact that Kay Granger is unable to leave her nursing home to participate in the most important congressional vote of the year suggests she was already in visible decline when she ran for re-election in 2022,” Garcia said in a post on X.
Granger is not alone in facing questions about her ability to serve. The late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) was subject to mounting calls to step down before her death in 2023 due to concerns over her mental and physical health. Similarly, Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), who suffered a stroke in May, has not voted since but plans to return to the chamber next year.
Looking Ahead
As Granger's retirement approaches, her absence underscores broader issues in Congress about the transparency of health concerns and the challenges of aging in public office. While her decades of service have earned widespread respect, the unanswered questions about her final months have sparked debate about the responsibilities and expectations of elected officials facing significant health challenges.
