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
Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images
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
Win McNamee / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 06/13/37
Rep. Harold Rogers (KY-R): 85 years old
Bill Clark / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 12/31/37
Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-D): 86 years old
Bill Clark / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 01/25/37
Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-D): 84 years old
Chip Somodevilla / Staff |Getty Images
DOB: 8/15/38
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (MD-D): 84 years old
Anna Moneymaker / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 06/14/39
Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-D): 83 years old
Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 07/21/40
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): 83 years old
Rob Carr / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 03/26/40
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT-I): 81 years old
Alex Wong / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 9/08/41
Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-D): 81 years old
Kris Connor / Stringer | Getty Images
DOB: 09/06/41
Rep. John Carter (TX-R): 81 years old
Bill Clark / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 11/06/41
Senator Mitch McConnell (KY-R): 81 years old
Drew Angerer / Staff | Getty Images
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
Joe Skipper / Stringer | Getty Images
DOB: 11/05/42
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): 80 years old
Pool / Pool | Getty Images
DOB: 05/03/2023
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT): 80 years old
Tom Williams / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 03/02/43
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC): 80 years old
The Washington Post / Contributor | Getty Images
DOB: 06/29/43
Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX): 80 years old
Anna Moneymaker / Staff | Getty Images
DOB: 01/18/43
