🕰️ 1 big thing: America's aging leaders

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Data: ProPublica; Chart: Thomas Oide/Axios American leadership is getting older. 🎂 Why it matters: With baby boomers making up half of Congress, the conversation on aging and health in public office from the Capitol to the White House isn't going away, Axios' April Rubin reports. The 118th Congress is one of the oldest in U.S. history — and drives debates about fitness for office, term limits and ageism. Driving the news: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vowed today to serve out his full term leading his caucus. The 81-year-old froze for roughly 20 seconds during a press conference this week, renewing concerns about his health. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who had been out of office for months because of a shingles diagnosis, yesterday appeared confused during a committee vote. During roll call, the 90-year-old senator began reading a statement and was prodded by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to "just say aye." 🧮 By the numbers: The average age of members of Congress is 58 years old. The Senate's average age is 64, compared to the House's 57. American life expectancy has increased in the past century, too — a trend reflected on Capitol Hill.