2 House Absences Reignite Congress Health Debate as 80% Back Age Caps

11 articles · Updated · Fox Baltimore · May 15

Two House absences have sharpened scrutiny of lawmakers’ health disclosures after Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has missed votes since March 5 and Rep. Frederica Wilson since April 17.
Kean’s office cited a “personal medical issue” and said the 57-year-old New Jersey Republican would soon return at “100 percent,” while Wilson, 83, said she had eye surgery and that she expected to be back soon.
One missed vote already carried consequences: a House measure to limit President Trump’s war powers with Iran ended in a tie Thursday, and Wilson’s vote could have given Democrats the edge.
Five members of the current Congress have died in office, adding to voter concern in a midterm year when lawmakers’ age and fitness are under renewed focus.
An NPR/PBS/Marist poll last week found about 80% of Americans say lawmakers are too old, with 80% backing age caps and 83% supporting term limits.

If elections are the ultimate term limit, why do 80% of Americans still demand age caps for lawmakers?

Could congressional term limits unintentionally shift power from elected officials to unelected lobbyists and staff?

What are the hidden costs of lawmaker health secrecy on crucial legislative outcomes and the balance of power?