Providing for the consideration of the joint resolution (H. J. Res. 12) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
Summary
H. Res. 801 proposes a rule for the House of Representatives to consider H.J. Res. 12, a joint resolution for a constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms a Member of Congress may serve. The resolution outlines the process for debating and voting on the proposed amendment. It sets time limits for debate and restricts certain procedural motions.
Expected Effects
If adopted, H. Res. 801 would expedite the House's consideration of the proposed term limits amendment. This could lead to a quicker vote on whether to send the amendment to the states for ratification. The rule prioritizes this specific resolution over other potential legislative actions.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to increased accountability of elected officials.
- May encourage new candidates to run for office, bringing fresh perspectives.
- Could reduce the influence of long-term incumbents and special interests.
- Might increase responsiveness of representatives to their constituents' needs.
- Could decrease the amount of time spent on campaigning and fundraising.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of experienced legislators could negatively impact policy-making.
- Term limits might disproportionately affect minority representation.
- Could empower lobbyists and unelected staff due to loss of institutional knowledge.
- May create a revolving door between Congress and lobbying firms.
- Could disrupt the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution itself is procedurally aligned with the Constitution, as it pertains to the internal rules and procedures of the House of Representatives (Article I, Section 5). The underlying joint resolution (H.J. Res. 12) proposes an amendment to the Constitution, which is a constitutionally prescribed process (Article V). The substance of the proposed amendment, term limits, does not directly conflict with any specific provision of the Constitution, but its impact on representative democracy and the qualifications of members could be debated in light of the Constitution's overall structure and intent.
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).