The Case for Term Limits: Insights from Kay Granger’s Absence

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(Chuck Muth) – I’ve gone back and forth on term limits for over 25 years now.

On one hand, I can argue that ELECTIONS are term limits.  On the other hand, the power of incumbency these days is almost impossible to overcome.

And the recent absence of U.S. Representative Kay Granger has pushed me further into the term limits camp.

Granger, an 81-year-old Republican from Texas, had not voted in Congress since July 2024.  And it was revealed this past weekend that she has been living in a senior living facility due to health issues, including dementia.

This situation has drawn significant attention to the age and tenure of Congress members, highlighting several key points regarding the case for term limits:

Lack of Representation

Granger's absence meant that her constituents were without representation during crucial votes, underscoring the impact of an incapacitated or absent representative on legislative processes.

This scenario raises questions about the effectiveness of long-term incumbency, particularly when health issues arise.

Gerontocracy Concerns

The case has been cited by various lawmakers and commentators as evidence of a “gerontocracy” in Congress, where power is concentrated among older members, possibly to the detriment of fresh perspectives and new ideas.

This has led to calls for term limits to ensure that Congress reflects a broader spectrum of ages and experiences.

Transparency and Accountability

There's been criticism regarding the lack of transparency about Granger's health and her ability to serve.

The incident has prompted discussions on the need for more stringent health disclosures for elected officials, which could be part of a broader push for term limits to prevent such scenarios.

Political Reaction

Politicians across the political spectrum have reacted, with some explicitly calling for term limits.

For instance, Representative Ro Khanna has leveraged the situation to argue for term limits, emphasizing the need for a system that rewards merit over seniority.

Legislative Impact

With a tight majority in the House, Granger's absence was particularly notable, emphasizing how one vote can significantly affect legislative outcomes.

This has been a point of contention, illustrating the practical implications of having representatives who cannot fulfill their duties.

The discussion around term limits in light of Granger's situation suggests a growing consensus that Congress could benefit from mechanisms to ensure turnover, fresh ideas, and better representation.

However, implementing term limits would require a constitutional amendment or changes to House rules, both of which are complex and contentious processes.

The debate continues, with Granger's case serving as a poignant example of the potential pitfalls of long-term political service without adequate checks.

But I guess the whole thing comes down to this for me: If term limits are good enough for the President of the United States, they’re good enough for Congress.  So let it be written; so let it be done.

This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.