Official House of Representatives policy announcements

Rep. Kay Granger, 81, Found in Dementia Care Facility After Six-Month Absence

Dec 22, 2024, 11:44 AM

Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger, 81, who has represented Texas's 12th Congressional District since 1997 and served as the House Appropriations Committee chair until March, has been found residing in a dementia care facility after being absent from her congressional duties for six months. Granger has not cast a vote in Washington since July 24 and was reportedly found "wandering lost and confused" near her Fort Worth neighborhood before moving into the facility. Her congressional office was vacated before Thanksgiving, and her absence had not been publicly addressed by her staff or congressional leadership. The discovery, reported by the Dallas Express, has prompted calls for term limits and cognitive testing for elected officials, with figures such as Elon Musk suggesting basic cognitive assessments for lawmakers. The situation has raised concerns about transparency and the ability of aging politicians to fulfill their duties.