A GOP congressman is proposing an age restriction for those serving in key political positions, including the presidency, vice presidency, and Congressional roles.
John James, a Representative from Michigan, seeks to change the Constitution to bar individuals from vying for office if they will turn 75 during their tenure. This suggestion emerges during growing debates regarding the age of some political figures. For instance, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, serving since 1985, recently faced two health scares. Similarly, concerns about the well-being of Democrat Dianne Feinstein, 90, elected in 1992, have grown.
President Joe Biden, the oldest current president at 80, would be 82 at the commencement of a potential second term, ending his term at 86. Age-related apprehensions about him have been vocalized among Democratic voters.
James’ spokesperson, Noah Sadlier, conveyed to Newsweek that the proposal indicates James’ belief in passing the torch to younger leaders, irrespective of party lines. He emphasized that it’s high time for a generational shift at the federal level, believing many would back this initiative.
James, in his chat with Fox News Digital, emphasized the rapid changes in the world, stressing the importance of having both lower and upper age limits for officeholders. He pointed to Feinstein, McConnell, and Biden as illustrations, suggesting they may be perceived as America’s vulnerabilities.
If this legislation gets greenlit, 36 House members and 16 Senate members aged 75 or above would be ineligible for service. Among them, 15 House members are aged 80 or more, including Grace Napolitano, Eleanor Norton, Hal Rogers, Bill Pascrell Jr., Maxine Waters, Steny Hoyer, Jim Clyburn, Nancy Pelosi, Danny Davis, John Carter, Anna Eshoo, Frederica Wilson, Rosa DeLauro, Virginia Foxx, and Kay Granger. Four senators surpassing 80 are McConnell, Feinstein, Chuck Grassley, and Bernie Sanders.
When queried about the implications of this proposal on Donald Trump, aged 77 and previously endorsed by James, Sadlier opted not to comment.
