A joint resolution 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
- Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 10, 2025
Bottom line
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to impose a 12-year term limit on both U.S. Representatives and Senators, aiming to curb career politicians and promote fresh perspectives in Congress.
What it actually does
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for members of the United States Congress. It would limit Representatives to six two-year terms (12 years total) and Senators to two six-year terms (12 years total). The amendment includes a grandfather clause, ensuring it would not apply to any person who served in Congress before the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that term limits are essential to reduce the influence of career politicians, increase responsiveness to constituents, and bring fresh perspectives and ideas into government. They contend that limiting terms would prevent entrenchment, reduce corruption, and make members more accountable to the electorate rather than to special interests or party leadership.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that term limits would lead to a loss of valuable institutional knowledge and experience, making Congress less effective and more reliant on unelected staff and lobbyists. They contend that voters should have the right to choose their representatives freely, regardless of how many terms they have served, and that term limits could diminish accountability by creating 'lame duck' legislators less concerned with re-election.
The bill text is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core proposal quickly.
Section 1
Term Limit for Representatives
This section proposes that no individual may serve as a Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than six two-year terms. If a person serves for more than one year of any two-year term, it is counted as a full term for the purpose of this limit, regardless of whether they completed the full term or were originally elected to it.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this limit ensures a regular turnover of members, preventing the accumulation of excessive power and promoting greater responsiveness to the electorate. They believe it will encourage more citizens to seek office and bring diverse experiences to the legislative process.
Critics contend
Critics contend that limiting terms for Representatives would deprive the House of experienced legislators who have developed expertise in complex policy areas and established relationships crucial for effective governance. They argue it could empower unelected staff and lobbyists who retain institutional knowledge.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for fresh perspectives and reduced incumbency advantage against the potential loss of legislative experience, institutional knowledge, and voter choice.
Section 2
Term Limit for Senators
This section proposes that no individual may serve as a Senator in the U.S. Senate for more than two six-year terms. Similar to the House provision, if a person serves for more than three years of any six-year term, it is counted as a full term for the purpose of this limit, irrespective of whether they completed the full term or were the original elected Senator.
Section 3
Grandfather Clause
This section specifies that the proposed term limits would not apply to any person who served as a Representative or Senator during any Congress occurring before the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress. This means that current members of Congress who served prior to the 118th Congress would not be subject to these new term limits, allowing them to continue serving as long as they are elected.