Texas Republican Congresswoman Kay Granger, aged 81, has been absent from her duties in Washington, D.C., for the past six months while residing in a nursing home costing $4,000 per month.

Granger announced in November 2023 that she would not seek reelection after her current term. Turcios notes that Granger's district office is already packed up, and calls go straight to voicemail.

The 81-year-old congresswoman’s situation reanimated a debate about the health and mental acuity of aging elected officials, with many colleagues urging changes.

It's been nearly four months since one Texas Congress member has cast a vote. U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, has missed votes in Congress and has been "having some dementia issues late in ...