Several measures have already been introduced in the new Congress proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of consecutive terms that a Member of Congress may serve. No person shall serve as a Representative for more than six two-year terms, or a Senator for more than two six-year terms.

Those in Favor Argue

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): “For too long, members of Congress have abused their power and ignored the will of the American people. Term limits on members of Congress offer a solution to the brokenness we see in Washington, D.C. It is long past time for Congress to hold itself accountable. I urge my colleagues to submit this constitutional amendment to the states for speedy ratification.” Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL) also added, “The American people support term limits by an overwhelming margin. I believe that as lawmakers, we should follow the example of our founding fathers, Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who refused to consider public service as a career. Our history is replete with examples of leaders who served their country for a time and returned to private life, or who went on to serve in a different way.”

Those Against Argue

Political Scientists Argue: Legislative term limits have a direct negative effect on lawmakers and an indirect negative effect on citizens for many reasons. One, they diminish congressional power and transfer that power to lobbyists and bureaucrats. Inexperienced legislators do not fully understand many of the complex issues for which they must make public policy. This often results in legislators relying on lobbyists to educate them on issues. While most lobbyists do not deliberately mislead legislators, it is to their advantage to provide information that sustains their clients’ interests. Therefore, term limits shift the balance of power from an institution that voters control, i.e. Congress, to an institution they have no control over, i.e. the Executive Branch. Secondly, if the demographics of the district remain the same, the voters will simply replace Representative A, with Representative B, who will have the same political ideology as the outgoing Representative. In the end, we have the same individual ideology, and congressional division, but with less experience. Thirdly, Congress is always changing and evolving through the natural process of retirements and elections.