The aging population of our Congress has become a trending news topic.
Last month 90-year-old Senator Feinstein had to be told what to say during a vote by one of her aides after a nearly two-month medical leave of absence with shingles. More recently, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had a concerning mental episode while giving a routine press briefing. Not to mention Joe Biden's relentless gaffes. As Glenn said this week, keeping these health-compromised elderly individuals in power is "elder abuse" and just plain "cruel."
Keeping health-compromised, elderly individuals in power is "elder abuse."
Both of these leaders are over 80, and their recent episodes have sparked many to ask: how old is "too old" to serve in Congress? This topic is a delicate one. However, the American people should be able to discuss whether age plays a factor in their representatives' and Senators' ability to carry out their duties in the best interest of their constituents.
How old is "too old" to serve in Congress?
There are 20 Congressmen and women who are 80 years old and older, some of which were born before World War II. There are many more who are on the cusp of 80, well past the normal age of retirement. Below you will find the complete list of ALL 20 Congressmen and women who are 80 and over. Do YOU think age should be a factor in determining your vote? Let us know in the comments below.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA-D): 90 years old

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DOB: 6/22/33
Senator Charles Grassley (IA-R): 89 years old

Anna Moneymaker / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 9/17/33
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-D): 86 years old

PATRICK T. FALLON / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 12/04/36
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (AL-D): 86 years old

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DOB: 06/13/37
Rep. Harold Rogers (KY-R): 85 years old

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DOB: 12/31/37
Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-D): 86 years old

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DOB: 01/25/37
Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-D): 84 years old

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DOB: 8/15/38
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (MD-D): 84 years old

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DOB: 06/14/39
Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-D): 83 years old

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DOB: 07/21/40
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): 83 years old

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DOB: 03/26/40
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT-I): 81 years old

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DOB: 9/08/41
Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-D): 81 years old

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DOB: 09/06/41
Rep. John Carter (TX-R): 81 years old

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DOB: 11/06/41
Senator Mitch McConnell (KY-R): 81 years old

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DOB: 02/20/42
Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA): 80 years old

Scott J. Ferrell / Contributor | Getty Images (2011)
DOB: 12/13/42
Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-CA): 80 years old

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DOB: 11/05/42
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): 80 years old

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DOB: 05/03/2023
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT): 80 years old

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DOB: 03/02/43
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC): 80 years old

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DOB: 06/29/43
Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX): 80 years old

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DOB: 01/18/43