Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), a senior member of Congress and former chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was recently discovered in a dementia care facility following a six-month absence from voting. Granger, 81, had reportedly been living in the facility after being found disoriented near her home.

An investigation by the Dallas Express revealed that Granger resides in a nursing home charging $4,000 monthly. Granger’s prolonged absence has reignited debates about the ability of aging politicians to serve effectively, especially as scrutiny grows over America’s elderly political leadership.

Uh, but why the public backlash has erupted online after a Republican congresswoman Kay Granger was found in a dementia care facility for the past 6 mos. We know that U.S. non-gov't workers can go home and get paid if they are unable to work & continue to get health insurance.

— This-n-thaT (@Robert_Rants) December 23, 2024

Elon Musk weighed in on social media, calling for cognitive assessments for elected officials. Commentator Meghan McCain expressed frustration over the lack of media coverage on Granger’s situation, while political consultant Ryan Girdusky indicated that insiders were aware of her declining health.

How come not one US Representative blew the whistle on Congresswoman Kay Granger's absence to a retirement home for the last 6 months. Nobody was representing her constituents. How is that legal? Somebody had to know.

— MuseumJunkie (@museum_junkie) December 23, 2024

Granger’s office released a statement denying she is in memory care, with a message attributed to Granger acknowledging her health challenges. “As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year,” the statement read. Granger added that her condition had made frequent travel to Washington “difficult and unpredictable.”

EXCLUSIVE: Where is Congresswoman Kay Granger?
“…the Congresswoman has been residing at a local memory care and assisted living home for some time after having been found wandering lost and confused in her former Cultural District/West 7th neighborhood.” https://t.co/O2Sbos1lah

— naftelworld 🇺🇦 (@NAFTELWORLD) December 23, 2024

The revelation has prompted criticism from local GOP Chair Bo French, who noted that Granger’s absence during significant congressional votes has disenfranchised her roughly two million constituents. French emphasized the importance of representation, especially on issues critical to Texans.

"'Missing' Congresswoman Kay Granger found in assisted living facility" – Daily Mail #SmartNews https://t.co/U5amxHNNLS

— Dr. Rhonda Fine (@DrRhondaFine) December 23, 2024

Granger, who has served in Congress for nearly three decades, will leave office at the end of her term. Texas House Member Craig Goldman is set to succeed her, taking over the responsibilities of representing the district.