Home / Recent Bills / Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
HOUSE · HJRES 12119 CONGRESS
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
A joint resolution goes through the same process as a bill and carries the same legal
force once signed. One exception: a joint resolution proposing a constitutional
amendment is not presented to the President — it needs a two-thirds vote in
both chambers and then ratification by three-quarters of the states.
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Summary
H.J. Res. 12 is a joint resolution introduced in the 119th Congress proposing a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Members of Congress. Specifically, it would limit Representatives to three terms (six years) and Senators to two terms (12 years). The resolution applies prospectively, meaning terms served before ratification would not count toward the limits. To become part of the Constitution, the amendment must be approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, then ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years. If enacted, it would restrict the number of consecutive terms individuals can serve in Congress, aiming to increase turnover, reduce entrenched incumbency, and bring new perspectives into government. Supporters argue it combats career politicians and corruption, while opponents contend it undermines voter choice, sacrifices legislative expertise, and shifts power to unelected staff and lobbyists. The measure reflects ongoing debates about democratic representation, government accountability, and the balance between experience and fresh voices in public service.
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+Would increase diversity in Congress by creating more open seats for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities.
+Reduces the influence of special interests and lobbyists who often cultivate long-term relationships with incumbent legislators.
+Promotes fresh ideas and perspectives by preventing legislative stagnation from long-serving members.
+Aligns with progressive goals of democratizing institutions and reducing barriers to entry for new candidates.
+Could decrease partisan entrenchment and encourage more collaborative problem-solving as members know their time is limited.
MIGHT OPPOSE
−Term limits may disproportionately impact marginalized groups who rely on seniority to gain committee leadership and influence policy affecting their communities.
−Experienced legislators often develop expertise in complex areas like budgeting, foreign policy, and civil rights that takes years to master.
−Arbitrary term limits remove voter sovereignty and the democratic right to retain effective representatives.
−May increase power of unaccountable staff and lobbyists who retain institutional knowledge while elected officials cycle through.
−Could lead to legislators prioritizing immediate, visible accomplishments over long-term, complex solutions to societal problems.
Republicans
MIGHT SUPPORT
+Promotes government accountability by preventing career entrenchment in Congress.
+Encourages citizen legislators and reduces the influence of long-serving politicians who may become disconnected from constituents.
+Aligns with conservative principles of limiting government power and preventing consolidation of authority.
+May reduce opportunities for corruption and self-dealing that can accumulate over long tenures.
+Supports electoral competition by opening seats to new challengers and reducing incumbent advantages.
MIGHT OPPOSE
−Could remove effective, experienced lawmakers who understand complex policy issues and legislative procedures.
−May increase the influence of unelected staff, lobbyists, and bureaucrats as elected officials have less time to develop expertise.
−Term limits could disrupt legislative continuity and institutional knowledge necessary for effective governance.
−Voters should retain the right to re-elect representatives they approve of, rather than having choices restricted by constitutional mandate.
−Might lead to shorter-term thinking among legislators focused on post-Congress careers rather than long-term policy solutions.
![Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/n000190_200.jpg)