GOP Rep. Kay Granger living in retirement facility: source

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, has been residing in a retirement facility, according to a source who spoke to Fox News on Sunday. Contrary to a report from a local news outlet claiming she was in a memory care facility, the source clarified that Granger is not in the memory care unit but in a facility that provides memory care services.

Granger, who announced her retirement at the end of this congressional term, has been noticeably absent from Capitol Hill in recent months. Her last recorded votes were cast on July 24, and she was absent for over half of the votes since then.

The Dallas Express conducted an investigation into Granger’s prolonged absence, with a report suggesting that the 81-year-old congresswoman was in a memory care facility in Texas. This report was later picked up by other news sources. However, a source from Granger’s office dismissed these claims in conversation with Fox News.

In a statement to Fox News, Granger acknowledged facing health challenges and expressed gratitude for the support and concern she has received. She explained that her health issues had escalated since early September, making travel to Washington difficult and unpredictable. Despite her absence, Granger commended her staff for their dedication in providing exceptional constituent services throughout her 27-year tenure.

Granger, who did not seek reelection, has been a fixture in the House since 1997 and previously served as the first female mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. While she has not participated in any votes since July, she returned to Capitol Hill in November for the unveiling of her portrait as Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, accompanied by a reception attended by House Speaker Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

According to a senior Republican source, Granger’s delayed resignation was influenced by the slim GOP House majority, which necessitated retaining her seat for numerical advantage. This delicate majority poses a challenge for the incoming speaker of the 119th Congress, where every vote counts towards potential Republican victories or defeats.

Criticism of Granger’s extended absence came from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who highlighted the age-centric dynamics of Congress and advocated for term limits and campaign finance reform to encourage a more diverse and youthful representation in government.

The call for change in congressional leadership is not new, as Khanna previously urged Democratic Rep. Dianne Feinstein to step down in light of her advanced age and health issues. Feinstein, aged 89 at the time, passed away in September 2023.

In conclusion, the ongoing discussion surrounding Granger’s absence underscores broader issues within Congress regarding age, representation, and the need for reform. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the push for diversity and inclusivity remains a crucial aspect of shaping the future of American governance.