1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support legislation requiring competency evaluations for members of Congress over age 65. The 119th Congress is the third-oldest in U.S. history, with an average age of 58.9 years compared to the U.S. median age of 39.1. Among the 24 Silent Generation members currently serving, the average age is 83.8 years, and by the end of this year, ten members will be 85 or older. This is not about disrespecting experience or institutional knowledge. It is about establishing the same professional standards we require of other critical positions. Physicians must demonstrate continued competency to maintain their licenses. Commercial airline pilots face mandatory retirement at age 65. Air traffic controllers must retire at 56. Yet the individuals making decisions that affect 330 million Americans face no such requirements. The public overwhelmingly supports this principle. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 82% of Republicans and 76% of Democrats favor age limits for federal elected officials. This rare bipartisan consensus reflects legitimate concerns about whether our oldest lawmakers can effectively serve their constituents. Consider that Senator Chuck Grassley is 92 and third in line to the presidency as president pro tempore. Thirteen Silent Generation members are running for re-election in 2026, including Senator Jim Risch, who would be 89 at the end of his next term, and Representative Maxine Waters, who will be 88 on Election Day. These members hold powerful committee positions controlling funding and legislative agendas. I am not suggesting automatic removal based on age. I am advocating for regular, transparent competency evaluations similar to those required of medical professionals. If a 70-year-old surgeon must prove continued competence to operate, surely an 85-year-old senator should demonstrate fitness to legislate. This protects both the dignity of aging members and the interests of constituents who deserve representatives capable of fulfilling their duties. I urge you to champion legislation establishing competency evaluation standards for members of Congress over 65.