Legislative records, public statements, or media reports

Rep. Kay Granger Found in Dementia Care Facility; Absence Sparks Calls for Term Limits

Dec 21, 2024, 11:48 PM

Rep. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old Republican congresswoman representing Texas's 12th District since 1997, has reportedly been absent from congressional votes since July and is said to be residing in a dementia care facility. While Granger was seen at a Capitol Hill ceremony on November 19 for the unveiling of her portrait as a former House Appropriations Committee chair, she has not participated in any votes since July 24. Reports indicate that she has been living in an assisted living home specializing in memory care after being found wandering disoriented near her former Fort Worth neighborhood. The prolonged absence during key legislative sessions has raised concerns over representation for her district and sparked calls for term limits and basic cognitive tests for elected officials, with figures such as Elon Musk advocating for such measures. Questions have also been raised about whether her staff, which numbers 25, were aware of her condition. Neither Granger's office nor the Republican Party has provided official statements regarding her condition or prolonged absence.