This comment is without regard to party. At this moment I am watching Sen. Robert Byrd, WV chair the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Sad. Watching a 91 year old Senator struggle with text obviously written for him by staff. I am old myself, 78. I enjoy the fact that I have been blessed with a keen mind to this date. Yet, I am mindful that my present state will erode over more years.
The Catholic Church has a rule that clerics in leadership must submit their resignations at age 75. Beyond that, they serve at the pleasure of the Pope.
There should be some mechanism that would require the Chairpersons of any congressional committee be subject to an age limitation of 75 years of age. Beyond that, they must pass a vote of 2/3rds of the entire body on the issue of mental capacity.
What is evident to me over time is that the State of West Virginia is represented in congress by staff. That’s not representative government.