Health issues force Congress members to skip votes


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In the House of Representatives, where health-related absences have become increasingly significant, three Democratic lawmakers – Reps. Dwight Evans, Raul Grijalva, and David Scott – face ongoing medical challenges that impact their ability to participate in crucial votes.

The situation has taken on heightened importance due to Republicans’ razor-thin majority in the House. With the GOP barely maintaining control, they can hardly afford any absences from their ranks. This presents a complex challenge for Republican leadership as they navigate contentious issues including immigration reform, federal spending cuts, and the extension of Trump-era tax policies.

The Democratic strategy to block Republican legislation hinges on perfect attendance from their members. This highlights the critical nature of recent absences from Evans, Grijalva, and Scott, who have missed numerous votes in 2024 due to health issues.

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The current House composition stands at a precarious 217-215 Republican majority. This delicate balance emerged following several departures, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s resignation from Florida’s 1st Congressional District in November 2024, after his unsuccessful bid to become Trump’s attorney general. The vacant seat awaits an April 1 special election.

Further complications arise from two additional Republican departures – former Rep. Mike Waltz from Florida’s 6th District and former House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik from New York’s 21st District. Both accepted positions in the Trump administration, creating vacancies that will be filled through upcoming special elections.

The tight margins have transformed party whips into attendance monitors, meticulously tracking member presence for every vote. Their role has become crucial in ensuring their respective parties can maximize their voting power on key legislation.

While much attention has focused on Republican attendance due to their majority status and internal divisions, particularly with the House Freedom Caucus, Democratic absences have proven equally consequential.

Evans, at age 70, became the second-most frequently absent member of Congress in 2024, missing nearly 63% of votes following a May stroke. His Philadelphia-based district saw him run unopposed for reelection.

The Democratic Party has also witnessed leadership changes driven by attendance issues. Grijalva, 76, stepped down from his ranking position on the House Natural Resources Committee after missing 88% of 2024’s votes while undergoing cancer treatment. Similarly, Scott, 79, lost his Agriculture Committee ranking member position following extended absences for back treatment.

These situations mirror broader concerns about aging leadership in Congress, exemplified by former Rep. Kay Granger’s case. The 82-year-old Republican’s retirement facility residence and dementia diagnosis sparked renewed debate about elderly politicians maintaining office despite health challenges.

As the Trump administration advances its legislative agenda, both parties face unprecedented pressure to maintain perfect attendance. Party leaders have emphasized that showing up for votes has become as mandatory as high school attendance, with health monitoring becoming standard practice in this high-stakes political environment.