In the ever-entertaining theater of American politics, where transparency is often as elusive as a bipartisan agreement, we now have the curious case of Rep. Kay Granger. The 81-year-old Republican congresswoman from Texas, once a stalwart on Capitol Hill, has seemingly vanished from the political stage, leaving her constituents and colleagues in a state of bewilderment. Granger, who has served Texas’s 12th Congressional District since 1997, was last seen casting a vote in July. Since then, her presence in Washington has been as scarce as a balanced federal budget.

Rumors began swirling when the Dallas Express reported that Granger had taken up residence in a senior living facility specializing in memory care.

Her son, Brandon Granger, confirmed that she has been experiencing “dementia issues late in the year” but insisted she resides in the independent living section, not memory care.

It’s a distinction that might comfort some, but the fact remains: the congresswoman has been MIA during critical legislative sessions. One might wonder why this information is only now coming to light. After all, Granger’s absence during pivotal votes, including those to prevent a government shutdown, has left her constituents without representation.

In a statement, Granger acknowledged her health challenges, stating they’ve made “frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable.”

Yet, this revelation comes months after her last vote, raising questions about the transparency of her office and the responsibility owed to the voters who put her in that position. The timing of these disclosures is particularly convenient. Granger announced in 2023 that she would not seek reelection, paving the way for Republican Craig Goldman to take over the seat in January.

One can’t help but wonder if the decision to withhold information about her health was a strategic move to maintain party control of the district without the messy business of a special election. This situation isn’t just a personal matter; it’s a glaring example of a systemic issue. The average age of members in Congress is creeping upward, with several octogenarians holding onto power like it’s the last slice of pecan pie at a Texas barbecue.

While experience is invaluable, there comes a point where the ability to perform the duties of office must be called into question. The lack of transparency surrounding Granger’s health and absence is reminiscent of other instances where the physical and mental fitness of our elected officials have been shrouded in secrecy. It’s a disservice to the democratic process and, more importantly, to the constituents who rely on their representatives to advocate on their behalf. As the sun sets on Granger’s congressional career, it’s worth reflecting on the broader implications. Should there be age or term limits to prevent such situations? Is it time for mandatory health disclosures for our elected officials? These are uncomfortable questions, but avoiding them only perpetuates a cycle of opacity and erodes public trust. In the end, Rep. Kay Granger’s story is not just about an individual’s health challenges; it’s a cautionary tale about the perils of placing political preservation above the principles of transparency and accountability. As we bid her farewell from public office, let’s hope that future leaders take this lesson to heart and remember that serving in Congress is a privilege granted by the people, for the people—not a lifetime appointment to be held onto at all costs.