The US Congress is facing renewed calls for age limits after the deaths of five lawmakers over the past 14 months, sparking debate over leadership turnover and effectiveness.
Georgia Democrat David Scott, 80, was the fifth House member to pass away since early 2025, joining Texas Democrat Sylvester Turner, 70, Arizona Democrat Raúl Grijalva, 77, Virginia Democrat Gerry Connolly, 75, and Republican Representative Doug LaMalfa of California.
All five lawmakers were over the age of 65, fueling a conversation about aging leadership in Congress and whether there should be clearer limits on tenure.
The deaths have led to a temporary reshaping of the House, with the total number of lawmakers dropping to 430 and five seats currently vacant.
Calls for reform have resurfaced, with many arguing that leaders must recognize when it is time to step aside, and that term limits are necessary to ensure younger lawmakers have opportunities to lead.
However, critics caution against blanket restrictions, noting that experience remains valuable in legislative roles and that voters ultimately decide who represents them.
