Senator absent for extended period

An elderly senator has not appeared in Congress since an ambulance transported him from his home on June 14. Reporters have been unable to obtain detailed information about the senator's status in the weeks since. Staff released a July 12 statement saying the senator was recovering from a fall and mild pneumonia. The statement was accompanied by a photo showing the senator seated in a bed.

Internet users circulated unverified claims about the senator's health. Late-night television hosts made jokes about the photo's presentation. A member of Congress said the absence raised questions about procedures when lawmakers are unavailable. The same member noted that narrow margins in both chambers make each absence significant.

The median age of House members is about 58 and the median age of senators is about 65. A political scientist at a research organization said the current electoral system favors older candidates. The senator has stated plans to retire when the term ends next year. The same senator previously experienced a public episode of freezing during a press conference.

A 71-year-old senator died last week, the sixth member of the current Congress to die since it convened. The ages of those who died ranged from 65 to 87. A paper co-authored by the political scientist found that younger voters participate less when they see fewer peers in office. The paper suggested changes to the electoral system rather than age or term limits.