Term Limits and Health Issues in Congress

Many United States citizens have grown concerned at the recent health struggles of aging U.S. politicians, demanding stricter term limits.

The concerns were brought on after political leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, who appeared to freeze during an interview twice, have been seen publicly struggling with health issues. These issues have shed light on the length of their term and whether they are still to be considered relevant voices in today’s society.

According to local public health official Lina Reinders, “I do find [the health issues] concerning, just their ability to lead and to represent their constituents. I have a hard time saying there should be age limits per se, but cognitive decline should be considered.” 

Reinders is not the only American concerned about the issues, especially considering the age of these politicians. Many elected officials have held their position by claiming they possess the ability to solve modern problems but consequently do not possess the knowledge needed to enact change. 

Olivia McAtee, victim service provider, stated, “I believe term limits would push for modern solutions to outdated and lingering issues, and would create conversation about the current state of our country and communities.” 

Numerous Americans, along with McAtee, have voiced concerns that older politicians can no longer accurately exhibit relevant solutions or opinions because many issues no longer affect them. They are not the generation that has to deal with the consequences of major legislative decisions that lack consultation from those they impact. As new generations begin to recognize the disconnect in representation and legislative decisions by their officials, a growing number of politicians face pressure to resign in order to allow room for fresh perspectives.

McAtee continued, “I am tired of seeing men address our nation who cannot even coherently finish a sentence… I am tired of the division that seems to be perpetuated by generational gaps more than political ones. I would vote for term limits because our country cannot go on as it has before in good faith.” 

Young voters, especially, call for applicable legislation that addresses real issues in today’s society, not legislation designed to accomplish personal agendas instead of reflecting the desperate needs of communities. Term limits in Congress could help accomplish this goal by continuously bringing in new people from different backgrounds who can more effectively represent their constituents. Younger representatives could also more accurately embody the voices many Americans need to hear in order to progress. 

Rebekah Schurz, a senior at Carlisle High School and member of the Iowa Youth Congress, Iowa WTF and Iowa Queer Student Alliance (QSA), stated, “As of 2023, 83% of our nation’s voters agreed with [term limits]. Party-wise, 86% of people who supported [term limits] were Republicans, 80% were Democrats, and 84% were Independents… you keep hearing people on both sides talking about how ‘the future is the youth,’ and yet it’s the same individuals that aren’t choosing to step down when they’ve reached a point where they’re getting stagnant in their effort.”

The irony in this debate is research shows that most Americans support term limits. Yet, politicians still refuse to step down and allow for new leadership, even though they are supposed to be reflecting the needs of their communities. Political leaders appear to be trying harder to maintain their position of power rather than actually doing anything with it. The issue becomes complicated as citizens grow frustrated with the lack of change yet feel powerless as the elected officials, with whom they have entrusted their hope, consistently fail to act. 

New ideas, representation and conversations are vital to a country that moves forward instead of backward. Politicians must rely on the voices of citizens and marginalized communities to represent the U.S. as a whole, not just the majority. New leaders would help America move forward and work to build a better future, instead of remaining motionless in the past.