Congressional Term Limits
Intended to promote accountability, reduce corruption, and ensure periodic renewal of leadership, this Act establishes term limits for members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, thereby ensuring that public service remains focused on the people rather than political careers
Purpose: To limit the terms of those that represent us in congress to ensure that those in public service are not there to ensure that they have a lifelong political career, but to represent their constituents and ensure protections and freedoms for Americans.
Term Limits for Congress:
Section 1: Senate Term Limits
A person may serve as a United States Senator for no more than two (2) terms, or a total of twelve (12) years.
This limitation applies regardless of whether the terms are served consecutively or non-consecutively.
Section 2: House of Representatives Term Limits
A person may serve as a member of the United States House of Representatives for no more than twelve (12) years.
This limitation applies regardless of whether the terms are served consecutively or non-consecutively.
Section 3: Combined Congressional Service Limit
A person may serve a maximum of twelve (12) years in the United States Senate and twelve (12) years in the United States House of Representatives, for a combined total of twenty-four (24) years in Congress.
Service beyond these limits is prohibited to prevent lifelong tenures in federal legislative office.
Transition Period and Applicability:
Transition for Current Members:
Members serving in office at the time this Act is enacted shall be allowed to complete their current terms.
A sitting member’s previous terms will count toward the limits established by this Act.
Effective Date:
The provisions of this Act shall take effect immediately upon enactment and apply to all future elections.
Purpose and Benefits:
Periodic Leadership Renewal: Ensures the constant infusion of new perspectives and ideas in Congress.
Accountability to Constituents: Prevents individuals from becoming disconnected from the needs of the electorate.
Reduction of Corruption: Limits opportunities for entrenched politicians to form long-term alliances with lobbyists and special interest groups.
Alignment with Existing Precedents: Mirrors the two-term limit for the President of the United States.
Enforcement Mechanisms:
Eligibility Verification:
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state election officials shall verify candidates’ eligibility to run for Congress based on the term limits established by this Act.
Disqualification:
Any candidate who exceeds the limits established by this Act shall be deemed ineligible to appear on the ballot.
Advocacy for the Legislation
Public Campaign: Educate citizens on the importance of term limits through media campaigns, town halls, and online platforms.
Collaboration with Organizations: Partner with groups advocating for government reform to build grassroots support.
Bipartisan Appeal: Highlight how term limits benefit all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, by reducing partisanship and ensuring a focus on governance over careerism.
Additional Considerations
State-Level Term Limits: While this Act focuses on Congress, it can serve as a model for states to adopt similar limits for governors, state legislators, and other public officials.
Amendments to the U.S. Constitution: While a federal law could establish term limits, a constitutional amendment might be necessary for full enforcement, as past attempts have faced constitutional challenges.
Another path, which would be more secure but also harder, would be a Constitutional Amendment:
Proposed 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Congressional Term Limits
Section 1: No person shall serve more than twelve (12) years as a member of the United States Senate.
Section 2: No person shall serve more than twelve (12) years as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Section 3: No person shall serve more than twenty-four (24) years in total combined service in the United States Congress.
Section 4: This amendment shall apply to all persons elected after the date of its ratification.
A Resolution Calling for an Article V Constitutional Convention for Congressional Term Limits
WHEREAS, Article V of the United States Constitution grants state legislatures the power to call for a constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution;
WHEREAS, the Founders of the United States envisioned Congress as a citizen legislature, and the concentration of power in career politicians undermines the principles of representative democracy;
WHEREAS, congressional term limits would ensure regular turnover, reduce corruption, and increase accountability by fostering a government that is more responsive to the people;
WHEREAS, numerous polls demonstrate overwhelming public support for term limits on Congress, reflecting the will of the American people to curb the influence of entrenched political elites;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the [State Legislature of ___________] hereby applies to the United States Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the United States Constitution, to call a convention of the states limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution to establish term limits for members of Congress.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this application is solely for the purpose of proposing an amendment that establishes term limits for the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives, and does not authorize the convention to consider or propose amendments on any other topic.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this application shall constitute a continuing application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution until at least two-thirds (34) of the legislatures of the several states have made applications on the same subject.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the [State Legislature of ___________] is hereby directed to transmit copies of this application to the President and Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and the presiding officers of each legislative body of the several states, requesting their cooperation in achieving this goal.
Steps to Pursue a Constitutional Amendment:
Building Momentum
Educate the Public:
Launch an awareness campaign explaining why term limits are necessary to combat entrenched political power and improve representation.
Use social media, town halls, and op-eds to highlight how lifelong politicians often prioritize re-election over public service.
Gather Support from Reform Advocates:
Partner with nonpartisan organizations advocating for government reform, like U.S. Term Limits or RepresentUs.
Enlist influential leaders, scholars, and public figures who can champion the cause.
Conduct Polls:
Demonstrate public support by commissioning polls showing the majority of Americans favor term limits (historically, this support is very high—around 75–80%).
Pursuing the Congressional Route
Identify Sponsors in Congress:
Find lawmakers willing to introduce the amendment in the House and Senate. Focus on members with a history of supporting reform or limited government.
Lobby for Votes:
Build bipartisan coalitions to achieve the two-thirds majority required in both chambers.
Emphasize how supporting term limits aligns with public sentiment and can be a winning issue for lawmakers.
Pursuing the Constitutional Convention Route
Coordinate with State Legislatures:
Work with reform-minded legislators at the state level to pass resolutions calling for a constitutional convention on term limits.
Focus on states where grassroots pressure can influence lawmakers.
Prevent Scope Expansion:
Address concerns about a "runaway convention" by ensuring resolutions limit the scope of the convention to term limits only.
Next Steps:
State Adoption:
Work with legislators in your state to sponsor and introduce this resolution. Focus on gaining bipartisan support.
Coordinate with activists in other states to introduce similar resolutions to reach the two-thirds threshold.
Public Engagement:
Use social media, local news outlets, and town halls to educate your community and generate grassroots support.
Organize petition drives to show public demand for term limits and encourage lawmakers to act.
Monitor Progress:
Track the number of states that adopt similar resolutions and build a coalition to push the initiative forward nationally.
Example Timeline:
Year 1: Build public awareness, gather support, and secure sponsors in Congress or state legislatures.
Year 2–3: Introduce the amendment in Congress or pass resolutions in state legislatures for a convention.
Year 4–5: Secure ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.
