CNN One Thing

Are Lawmakers Taking Medical Privacy Too Far?

July 12, 2026·24 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been hospitalized for nearly a month, but it remains unclear why or what his condition is. His prolonged absence comes just after Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) disappeared for over 100 days, for what he later revealed was treatment for depression. These incidents are reigniting a prickly debate over what information lawmakers owe voters, the limits of medical privacy, and if Congress is just too old.  Note: This episode was recorded before the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Read more ⁠here⁠. ---  Guest: Casey Burgat, The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Photo By:  Tom Brenner/Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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