Why is the 118th Congress so old?

As the US Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell freezes mid-question for a second time in weeks during a press conference, questions come to mind about the age, cognitive strength, and capabilities of America’s 118th Congress. There have been repeated calls and pressure building for McConnell to resign, particularly as his apparent ill-health has worsened.

The United States Congress, based in the US Capitol of Washington D.C. acts as the legislature of the federal government. It consists of both the lower body - the House of Representatives and an upper body, the Senate. As the members of the 118th Congress took office in January 2023, we examine its members’ age demographics and those expected to represent the American people. Notwithstanding, Joe Biden, 80, the oldest person to ever hold the White House.