How the oldest Senate ever is taking a toll on the business of Washington (Congress, politicians)

[emm74]

For decades, older members of Congress have brushed aside questions about their fitness for office. They have defended their health and faculties, and some have implied that those who inquire are ageists who don’t understand that America is growing older.

But the change in schedule for the tax bill is at least the third time this year that Senate leaders paused action to accommodate ailing colleagues. It is now clear that the large number of older senators in positions of power is taking a toll on the operations of Washington.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/powerp...=.55f952d7f706

Interesting piece. It's not partisan, there are Senators on both sides who are in this group. Which of course means that nothing will be done about it institutionally because neither side will be willing to force our these long term politicians with seniority, committee chairmanships, etc.

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by emm74

http://www.washingtonpost.com/powerp...=.55f952d7f706

Interesting piece. It's not partisan, there are Senators on both sides who are in this group. Which of course means that nothing will be done about it institutionally because neither side will be willing to force our these long term politicians with seniority, committee chairmanships, etc.

There is a toll plaza at that site.

Is there an age threshold they are having issues with?

[emm74]

Originally Posted by PedroMartinez

There is a toll plaza at that site.

Is there an age threshold they are having issues with?

There are currently 8 octogenarians serving, the most ever. And several in their later 70s who are currently running or contemplating running for reelection that would take them into their 80s by the end of another term.

[latimeria]

Originally Posted by PedroMartinez

There is a toll plaza at that site.

Is there an age threshold they are having issues with?

One way around the toll plaza is to open the link in an incognito tab in Chrome for example. Reading it now...there are about twice as many octogenarians as there have ever been, it says, as well as some in late 70s. Several votes have been held up while waiting for senators to return from illnesses, surgeries, etc.

[floridapilot]

The head of the senate is a 75 year old man who has probably lived his entire life in Washington. I think mitch mcconnell came to Washington in 1964!!! He has probably never held a real job in his life

The only way these guys are leaving the senate is in a hearse, its all they know