Developing: Influential House Democrat Had A Stroke

Even as Joe Biden’s obvious cognitive decline fuels concerns about allowing elected officials to continue serving well into their 80s, another octogenarian Democrat is in the news due to a recent health emergency.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who previously served as House majority leader, reportedly sought medical treatment following an incident this week.

According to Newsmax:

The 85-year-old former House majority leader’s spokesperson said the congressman expects to be back to his normal schedule next week.

“On Sunday night, August 11, Rep. Steny Hoyer experienced a mild ischemic stroke and sought medical treatment,” spokesperson Margaret Mulkerrin said in a statement on Tuesday, obtained by The Hill. “Mr. Hoyer has responded well to treatment and has no lingering symptoms.

.⁦@RepStenyHoyer⁩ had a mild stroke on Sunday. Hoyer is 85 pic.twitter.com/Boi5QEdV1Y

— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) August 13, 2024

The topic of age limits for elected officials has sparked plenty of social media debate lately:

2 of the most powerful people in govt: pic.twitter.com/Xr5K4Xktrs

— Caroline (@carolinekwan) July 26, 2023

We have a minimum age limit for Congress.
Does anyone really doubt that we also need a maximum age limit for Congress? 🤔

Mitch McConnell, age 81
Nancy Pelosi, age 83
Joe Biden, age 80
Dianne Feinstein, age 90
Chuck Grassley, age 89
Grace Napolitano, age 86
Bill Pascrell Jr.,… pic.twitter.com/kBojwPJVbx

— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) August 17, 2023

Hoyer previously stepped down from his party leadership position but retains his senior role on the House Appropriations Committee.

According to The Hill:

Hoyer announced in November 2022 that he was stepping down from House Democratic leadership, ending his more than two decades in the highest ranks of the caucus. He ceded his leadership spot alongside former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Since then, Hoyer has remained an active member of Congress as a rank-and-file lawmaker, serving on the Appropriations Committee.

Hoyer was hospitalized in 2018 when he was diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia.

Here’s a clip of his remarks after vacating the leadership post: