A proposal by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to establish standards for cognitive impairment among members of Congress has garnered rare bipartisan attention, with some conservatives praising the effort as "extremely based." The Washington Democrat introduced an amendment in May to the FY27 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The amendment would have required the Office of Congressional Conduct to develop criteria for conduct that does not reflect creditably upon the House, specifically concerning a member's ability to perform their duties unimpeded by significant irreversible cognitive impairment.
Though the amendment was ultimately rejected by voice vote, Gluesenkamp Perez stated on social media that the fight against what she terms the "gerontocracy"—rule by the elderly—is ongoing. Her stance has resonated beyond her own party, attracting support from Republicans who share frustrations with the age of the current political class.
"In every job I've ever had, there's a simple expectation," Gluesenkamp Perez said in a video posted to X. "You actually have to be able to do the work. Either you can do it or you can't. And Congress shouldn't be any different."
Reactions on social media highlighted this cross-aisle appeal. Daniel Miressi, a Republican congressional candidate, expressed agreement with the congresswoman's sentiment. An anonymous conservative X account, Crémieux, called the idea of mandatory cognitive testing for politicians "Extremely based" and suggested it should have been implemented sooner.
Some commentators on the right suggested that Republicans should focus on such issues, with Breitbart News political editor Bradley Jaye posting that he wished Republicans in swing districts would advocate for measures like this and banning congressional stock trading, rather than focusing on other issues.
Gluesenkamp Perez has previously voiced concerns about the impact of an aging Congress, arguing in 2025 that older members who refuse to retire despite health issues damage public confidence. The debate has often referenced the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose health and reported cognitive issues were a subject of concern for Democrats before her death in 2023.
However, the proposal also faced criticism from various political viewpoints. Mason Pressler, an organizer for a Senate candidate, suggested that "Majority Democrats" might be seeking "younger generation of corporate stooges." The organization Majority Democrats, described as center-left, has supported Gluesenkamp Perez's initiative to ensure elected officials remain lucid.
Some conservatives argued that the congresswoman's proposal did not go far enough. Commentator Richard Hanania questioned the focus on cognitive tests for a few older members while the "entire fiscal future is in jeopardy due to entitlements," referencing Social Security and Medicare.
This is not the first time Gluesenkamp Perez has raised questions about the age and health of elected officials. In 2024, she called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential election, citing concerns about his health and age following his debate performance.
The congresswoman has clarified that her advocacy is not against elderly individuals serving in Congress, but rather against those who are perceived as mentally unfit to serve. She stated in a 2025 interview that having members who understand the health care challenges faced by older people could strengthen the legislative body.
Gluesenkamp Perez's office did not respond to a request for comment regarding the proposal.