Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington is gaining support across party lines with her initiative to tackle cognitive decline among legislators. Both liberals and conservatives express frustration with the aging political class, uniting them on this issue.
“In every job I’ve ever had, there’s a simple expectation,” she stated in a video posted online. “You have to be able to do the work. Either you can or you can’t. Congress should be no different.”
In May, Gluesenkamp Perez introduced an amendment to the FY27 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. It aimed to develop a standard for evaluating conduct that reflects poorly on the House, especially concerning cognitive impairment among members. Unfortunately, this amendment was dismissed by voice vote.
Despite the setback, the congresswoman continues her campaign against what she calls the ‘gerontocracy,’ meaning rule by the elderly. Social media reactions suggest she might find allies across party lines. For instance, Daniel Miressi, a Republican candidate in Connecticut, voiced agreement with her proposal. An anonymous account popular among conservatives described mandatory cognitive testing for politicians as a needed measure.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has been consistently vocal about the effects of cognitive decline in Congress. She argues that aging lawmakers who refuse to step down undermine public confidence in Congress. This debate frequently mentions the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, whose health and cognitive decline raised concerns before her passing in 2023.
“This is not normal,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez once stated regarding long absences in office due to health issues.
The discussion has indeed drawn attention and criticism from both sides. Some argue that the focus on younger, potentially unqualified politicians is misguided. Others believe the proposal fails to address more pressing fiscal issues.
Previously, in 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez made headlines by urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, pointing to concerns over his age and health. Her position isn’t against older politicians in general, but rather against those unfit for office.
In her view, experienced members can offer valuable insights into health care and related issues. Gluesenkamp Perez emphasized this in a 2025 interview, stating that such contributions make Congress stronger.
Her office, however, did not provide a comment for Fox News Digital on these matters.
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