Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 3, 2025
Bottom line
This joint resolution seeks to establish term limits for members of both the House and Senate through a constitutional amendment, aiming to curb career politicians and increase turnover.
What it actually does
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would limit individuals to serving no more than six two-year terms as a Representative and no more than two six-year terms as a Senator. It includes provisions for how partial terms are counted and specifies that the limits would not apply to service rendered before the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that term limits would reduce the influence of special interests, foster a more responsive and citizen-led legislature, and bring fresh perspectives to Washington. They believe it would prevent the accumulation of power by long-serving members and encourage a focus on public service over political longevity, thereby making Congress more accountable to the electorate.
Opponents contend
Opponents typically contend that term limits remove experienced and effective legislators, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and expertise crucial for navigating complex policy issues. They argue it could empower unelected staff and lobbyists, and that voters should retain the fundamental right to choose who represents them, regardless of how many terms an individual has served.
The bill text is extremely short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its core proposal and implications.
Section 1 of the proposed Article
Term Limits for Representatives
This section proposes that no person shall serve as a Representative for more than six two-year terms. It clarifies that serving for more than one year of any two-year term will be considered a complete term for these purposes, irrespective of whether the individual originally elected completed the service. This aims to ensure that even partial terms contribute to the overall limit.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that limiting Representatives to six terms (12 years) would prevent political entrenchment, reduce the influence of special interests, and ensure that members remain more closely connected to their constituents' immediate concerns rather than focusing on a long-term political career.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this provision removes effective and experienced legislators from the House, potentially weakening its ability to address complex issues, diminishing institutional knowledge, and increasing reliance on unelected staff or external lobbyists for expertise.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for fresh perspectives and increased accountability against the value of legislative experience, institutional knowledge, and the continuity of policy development within the House.
Section 2 of the proposed Article
Term Limits for Senators
This section proposes that no person shall serve as a Senator for more than two six-year terms. It specifies that serving for more than three years of any six-year term will be treated as a complete term, regardless of whether the individual originally elected completed the service. This ensures that even significant partial terms count towards the limit.
Section 3 of the proposed Article
Grandfather Clause for Current Members
This section specifies that the proposed term limits would not apply to any person who served as a Representative or as a Senator during any Congress occurring before the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress. This means that terms served prior to January 2023 would not count towards the new limits, effectively allowing incumbent members from before that period to serve additional terms under the new rules.