H.J.Res.94 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.J. Res. 94 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms a member of Congress may serve. Representatives would be limited to three terms, while Senators would be limited to two terms. The amendment would not apply to members serving at the time of ratification and requires ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years of submission.
Expected Effects
If ratified, this amendment would alter the composition of Congress by regularly introducing new members and preventing long-term incumbency. This could lead to changes in policy priorities and potentially reduce the influence of established politicians. It could also create a more level playing field for challengers in elections.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the influence of special interests due to shorter tenures.
- May encourage fresh perspectives and new ideas in Congress.
- Could increase competitiveness in elections.
- Might decrease the likelihood of corruption associated with long-term power.
- Could lead to greater responsiveness to constituent needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of experienced legislators and institutional knowledge.
- Increased influence of lobbyists and unelected staff due to member turnover.
- Potential for short-sighted policy decisions as members focus on immediate gains rather than long-term consequences.
- Disruption of established relationships and negotiation processes within Congress.
- Reduced accountability as members may prioritize personal gain over long-term public service.
Constitutional Alignment
The proposed amendment aligns with the Constitution's amendment process as outlined in Article V, which details how amendments can be proposed by Congress and ratified by the states. It seeks to modify the structure and eligibility requirements for members of Congress, which falls within the scope of constitutional amendments. The proposal does not appear to infringe on any specific rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).