Should Members of Congress Have Age Limits?
Long-serving congressional members prompt scrutiny of tenure.
72% of Americans answer ‘yes.’
Long-serving congressional members prompt scrutiny of tenure.
WHY IT MATTERS – The call for a maximum age limit for Congress has the potential to usher in a new era of legislative leadership.
THE NUMBERS – In a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll from Oct. 17-20, 1,000 registered voters were surveyed about their opinions on implementing a maximum age limit for Congress.
Among supporters, opinions on the specific limit vary:
40 percent endorse an age limit of 75
23 percent endorse an age limit of 65
22 percent oppose setting a maximum age limit
9 percent endorse an age limit of 85
Implications of a maximum age limit of 75 on current leadership, endorsed by nearly two-thirds of respondents:
14 of the 100 sitting senators would be ineligible to serve
33 sitting representatives would be ineligible to serve
The median age of lawmakers has increased:
Senate: 65, a record high
House: 58, for the fourth consecutive Congress
Notable members’ age and tenure:
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, with 36 years of service, seeks re-election in 2024.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, 81, plans to complete his Senate term.
Late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein passed away at age 90, after serving 31 years in the Senate.
Longest-serving member of the 118th Congress, Sen. Charles Grassley, turned 90 and has served for over 48 years.
REALITY CHECK – Establishing a maximum age limit would require a Constitutional amendment.
THE BOTTOM LINE – Support for a maximum age limit in Congress reflects a desire for fresh, diverse leadership.
GO DEEPER – Congress' age needs a limit, new poll finds