Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley recently suggested that Congress should take "mental competency tests" as calls grow for some members of the United States' oldest legislature to retire due to apparent impairment due to advancing age.
The former South Carolina governor appeared on "Face The Nation," guest-hosted by Robert Costa, and discussed her experience watching Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell freeze while addressing the press. She cited other examples of U.S. lawmakers whose mental acuity has declined, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein.
In response to the issue, Haley said “I am completely for term limits. I'm completely for mental competency tests for anyone over the age of 75. And I'm not saying that to be disrespectful.”
When asked if it was time to have a "leadership shakeup" and introduce someone else to take over for McConnell, Haley said that it wasn't just a Republican and Democrat problem but a congressional problem. Adding, “At what point do they get it's time to leave? It is time to pass this down to a new generation of conservative leaders that want to take our country to a better place.”
Despite this, she expanded her argument to suggest that everyone aged 50 and over in the legislative body should have to take mental competency tests in order to assure that lawmakers remain aware of the hindrances they can cause.
"Our enemies are watching all of this," Haley said. "And every time they have an instance like that, America is less safe, because our enemies think we’re out of control. And that’s got to stop."
The former South Carolina governor’s comments are indicative of a long-standing sentiment of public dissatisfaction with the conduct of U.S. lawmakers in Washington. With tensions running high in the nation's capital on a range of issues, those serving in the government must prove that their mind is as sharp and current as the challenges at hand.
It's yet to be seen how the idea of mandatory mental competency tests will be received, but her suggestion to ensure the legislative branch is truly representing the interest of the American public is one worth considering.