Recent revelations about the declining health of Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) have ignited a widespread discussion, particularly on social media, concerning the age and cognitive fitness of elected officials. Granger's son described her health decline as "very rapid," prompting figures like Elon Musk to suggest cognitive testing for those holding public office.

The news, initially reported by the Dallas Express, revealed that Granger, 81, has been residing in a memory care facility and has been largely absent from the Capitol. This has led to accusations of complicity from some, including former Department of Education press secretary Angela Morabito, who questioned the awareness of Granger's 25-person staff. Former Texas state representative Jonathan Stickland added to the conversation, stating that Granger's memory issues were apparent years ago and criticizing her staff and family for not protecting her. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) connected the situation to the ongoing debate on congressional term limits.

The discussion around Granger's health comes amidst broader concerns regarding aging politicians. Comparisons have been drawn to President Biden's cognitive abilities, which were a topic of debate during the past year. Critics, like Kylie Jane Kremer, executive director of Women for America First, argue that the outrage directed at Biden should be equally applied to Granger's situation.

Adding another layer to the story, Axios reporter Hans Nichols acknowledged the media's role in overlooking the situation, citing limited resources. This highlights the challenges journalists face in covering all relevant stories, especially those requiring in-depth investigation.

The Wall Street Journal recently published a report detailing concerns within the Biden administration about the president’s stamina and mental clarity early in his term. These concerns further fuel the debate about the fitness of older politicians to hold office. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined the call for term limits, arguing that Congress prioritizes seniority over merit and fresh perspectives.

A video of Granger struggling to speak on the House floor earlier this year has also circulated, adding to the public's perception of her declining cognitive abilities. Granger, who chose not to seek re-election, has missed a significant portion of votes this year and stepped down from her position on the House Appropriations Committee. Her office has not commented on the situation.