Lawmakers are divided over whether Congress should adopt term limits to cap how long elected federal representatives can serve.
The proposal has public appeal, but the debate centers on whether such limits would restrict voter choice and erode institutional knowledge on Capitol Hill.
Several Republican senators argue that voters should retain the power to choose their representatives, regardless of age.
One senator noted that term and age limits already exist in the form of elections, and constituents should decide if they want to reelect an older candidate.
Another pointed to a 92-year-old senator in good health as evidence that voters should not be stripped of the right to return long-serving members to office.
Concern over senior lawmakers has intensified after a 71-year-old senator died in office last week, following health-related absences by members in their 50s and 80s.
A Democratic senator said individuals should recognize when to step aside but expressed reluctance to impose a uniform bar, citing a personal practice of self-limiting terms to create opportunity for others.
Other lawmakers contend that extended tenures show most officeholders seek to retain power as long as possible.
A Republican senator has proposed a constitutional amendment limiting senators to two terms and House members to three, arguing it would reflect broad public support and prevent indefinite service.
Another Republican senator endorsed the measure, saying career politicians contradict the intent of the framers and that concentrated long-term power risks corruption.
