With the recent clips of Sen. Mitch McConnell freezing during press interviews, citizens have expressed serious concerns. Not only for the health of McConnell, but the fact that it’s still acceptable that our congress doesn’t have proper age limits.
McConnell froze in front of an audience twice this past summer. After the second incident, he released a letter from Congress’ doctors ruling out any significant illnesses. They stated that the symptoms he displayed were due to dehydration, despite him hardly being able to speak and move for what many found a concerning amount of time.
Over the years term limits in our government have been a rising source of discussion. With the overwhelming amount of Baby Boomer (born between 1946-1964) and Silent Generation (born between 1928-1945) members of Congress, concerns have been expressed by citizens about where the line is drawn when it comes to how long a congressional representative should serve. 562 out of 800, or 72.25%, members of the House and Senate were born before 1964 as of Jan. 3, 2023. In my and many others’ opinion, this is unacceptable.
As of now, members of the House of Representatives can run for two-year terms an unlimited amount of times until voted out. The same goes for senators, but with six-year terms instead. However, once a Supreme Court justice is voted in, they serve until the time of their death (unless they resign or are removed from their position).
In the United States, the average age a person typically retires is around the age of 64. In any other career or work environment, working despite being practically unable to speak or properly fulfill your position would be unacceptable.
“We definitely need age limits. We’ve seen people from Strom Thurmond to Bernie Sanders and you just have to witness that they no longer have the capacity to be in their position, but we keep electing them over and over again,” said AP US Government and Politics teacher Rodney Nichols.
Those with opposing views may bring up the fact that it can take multiple terms in order to make a true difference. While the argument is completely valid, it does not pertain to all cases. It is highly unlikely that someone who’s held a position for 38 years, like McConnell, would still be struggling or fighting to make a change.
Another argument is the fact that so many people of younger generations aren’t willing to step up and hold the position. Although that is a justifiable concern, many argue that once one person steps up to make a change, others are very likely to follow. “We (young people) like to know that we’re welcomed in an area we’re entering. I think that a good solution would be other people taking on the job because it would give others the courage to go on and do the same,” said Junior Tiziana Mongu.
An issue arises when someone who holds a large level of influence in Congress at such an old age makes changes that they will most likely not live to see the effects of. It sparks the question, ‘at what point does holding that position change from an attempt to better our country to a power ride?’
Most people against age limits fail to realize that it isn’t an issue in favor of one party over another, it’s something that politicians from all parties benefit from and have avoided changing for as long as possible. As citizens, we should all accept and come to terms with the fact that the lack of age limits isn’t in our best interest, but for the advantage of those who want to maintain their power, whether or not they’re still well suited for the position.
The majority of Americans agree that there needs to be age limits in our legislation. Despite this, those in our government ignore the pleas and continue doing what benefits them the most. While both sides of the argument on age limits hold a valid stance, it is undeniable that critical change is needed in our legislation.
“The issue is really urgent. If the younger generations don’t act now, we may get even more of our basic rights stripped away,” said Mongu.
If you want to learn more or get involved in the cause, Americans for Term Limits offers petitions and more information in order to take action.
