WA Democrat Proposes Mental Fitness Checks for Congress Members

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has proposed an amendment to establish mental acuity standards for members of Congress, reflecting concerns from constituents about whether elected officials are cognitively fit to serve effectively. The amendment was rejected by the House Appropriations Committee, despite growing public interest in ensuring cognitive fitness among lawmakers. Gluesenkamp Perez highlighted worries that congressional staff may actually be running the government due to some members' potential cognitive decline. This issue has also been raised regarding President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and Senator Mitch McConnell. The conversation around mental acuity in politics includes past instances such as former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger's struggle with dementia while in office. The debate underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance to maintain public trust and effective representation.