President Joe Biden signs 'term expansion' bill into law, citing the need for more elderly representation in politics
President Joe Biden signs 'term expansion' bill into law, citing the need for more elderly representation in politics
WASHINGTON (The Egg) — President Joe Biden signed a bill Monday that will make it easier for senior citizens to run for office and even retain office after their passing.
The new law, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously, is a rare win for bipartisanship and is being celebrated as a major achievement for the status quo.
“I’m honored to sign this bill into law that will give people like me a fair shake at serving in public office,” he said shortly after signing the bill. “That’s all we ask for … a fair shake.”
Biden was joined at the bill signing ceremony by members of the Congressional Geriatric Caucus, including Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who turns 89 years old on Wednesday, and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is 88 years old and running for reelection this year.
The wide-ranging “term expansion” bill as it’s been called, would provide federal grants for senior citizens wanting to jump-start their political campaigns. It would also — as its name suggests — increase a politician's time in office by allowing them to serve the remainder of their terms even after their passing.
This controversial aspect of the law would provide the legal framework needed for politicians to continue their work after they pass, with the help of staffers, priests and/or spirit mediums to receive communications and guidance.
The purpose of this law, according to Biden, is to eliminate age-related concerns for a politician's health, and also “level the playing field” for elderly participants in the political process.
“The term expansion bill is really an improvement for folks like me who have difficulty keeping up with a fast-paced environment like Congress,” said Grassley, who is excited about some of the changes to Congress.
Currently, preparations are underway on Capitol Hill to comply with the new law by adding a fleet of mobility scooters and installing several moving walkways to the halls of the Capitol.
Biden spoke to reporters after the ceremony and was asked how young people will react to the new law that seems discriminatory in nature. He paused for a moment, lowered his aviator sunglasses, and told them, “If they don’t like it, maybe they’ll start voting.”