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.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 801
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-10: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-15T16:51:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
H. Res. 801 is a procedural resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on October 10, 2025, by Representative Luna. Its main goal is to establish the rules for debating and voting on H. J. Res. 12, a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms Members of Congress can serve. This helps streamline the House's consideration of the amendment without standard delays or objections.
Key Provisions
- Immediate Consideration: Upon adoption of H. Res. 801, the House must proceed directly to H. J. Res. 12 without interruptions from procedural challenges (points of order).
- Debate Rules: The joint resolution is treated as already read. Debate is limited to one hour, split equally between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on the Judiciary (or their designees). After debate, a vote on adoption occurs without further motions or divisions.
- Waiver of Rules: Section 2 suspends Clause 1(c) of House Rule XIX, which normally requires a committee report to be available before considering certain measures. This allows faster handling of H. J. Res. 12.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend any laws itself; it is a temporary procedural tool. It modifies House rules only for this specific bill by waiving reporting requirements and limiting debate, which expedites the process compared to standard legislative procedures that often involve longer reviews and more opportunities for amendments or delays.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as this is a congressional procedure. It could indirectly affect the legislative branch by accelerating a potential constitutional change.
- On Citizens: If H. J. Res. 12 advances, it might lead to term limits for Congress, reducing long-term incumbency and encouraging new candidates. The procedural shortcut could influence public perception of efficiency in Congress.
- On International Relations: No direct effects, as this focuses on domestic U.S. congressional structure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of Congress: House members, particularly those on the Judiciary Committee, who control the debate; incumbents may face term limits if the amendment passes.
- Political Parties and Committees: The House Rules Committee (where this was referred) and Judiciary Committee, as they guide the process.
- Voters and Advocacy Groups: Citizens and organizations supporting or opposing term limits, such as reform advocates who push for fresher representation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional Implications: By facilitating H. J. Res. 12, this resolution advances a proposed amendment under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which requires two-thirds approval in both houses of Congress before state ratification. Success could fundamentally alter congressional service (e.g., limiting terms to prevent career politicians).
- Legal Implications: The waiver of Rule XIX ensures compliance with House procedures while bypassing minor hurdles, but it does not override constitutional requirements for amendments.
- Political Implications: This fast-tracks a controversial reform, potentially energizing term-limits supporters but drawing criticism for limiting debate in a polarized Congress. It highlights ongoing debates about incumbency advantages and democratic renewal, without favoring any party in the document itself.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-10: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
- 2025-10-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2025-10-10 — PDF (2 pages)