Senators have higher requirements than representatives because they serve longer terms (6 years compared to 2 years for representatives) and represent a larger constituency (the entire state compared to a single congressional district). The founders of the United States intended for the Senate to be a more deliberative and elite body, which is why senators must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and be a resident of the state they represent. This higher age requirement and longer citizenship requirement are meant to ensure that senators have a greater level of experience and expertise to make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents.
