A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress.
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 48
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:27:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 48) proposes a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of the U.S. Congress, aiming to prevent long-term incumbency and encourage turnover among elected officials.
Key Provisions
- House of Representatives Limits (Section 1): No person may serve more than six two-year terms as a Representative. If someone serves more than one year in a term, it counts as a full term, regardless of whether they were the original electee or replaced someone mid-term.
- Senate Limits (Section 2): No person may serve more than two six-year terms as a Senator. If someone serves more than three years in a term, it counts as a full term, regardless of whether they were the original electee or replaced someone mid-term.
- Grandfather Clause (Section 3): The limits do not apply to any service in Congress before the 118th Congress (which ran from 2023 to 2025), allowing current members at that time to continue without retroactive restrictions.
- Ratification Process: The amendment would become part of the Constitution if ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states (38 states) within seven years of submission.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The U.S. Constitution currently has no term limits for members of Congress, allowing unlimited re-elections. This amendment would introduce strict lifetime caps—12 years total for Representatives (equivalent to six terms) and 12 years for Senators (two terms)—marking a fundamental shift from the current system of indefinite service based on voter approval.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies and Congress: Could lead to greater turnover in Congress, potentially reducing entrenched power among long-serving members and increasing opportunities for new lawmakers. This might affect legislative continuity, as experienced members are replaced, but could also foster fresh perspectives on policy-making.
- On Citizens: Voters would face more frequent changes in representation, possibly increasing electoral competition and reducing the influence of incumbency advantages (like name recognition and fundraising). However, it might limit voter choice by barring popular long-term incumbents from running again.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though a more dynamic Congress could influence U.S. foreign policy debates or treaty approvals due to shifting memberships.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of Congress: Incumbent lawmakers (especially those serving beyond the proposed limits) would face career restrictions, while challengers and newer politicians could benefit from reduced competition.
- Voters and Citizens: Everyday Americans who elect representatives, as the amendment would alter who can run for office and how long they can serve.
- Political Parties: Both major parties might see shifts in leadership and strategy, with term limits potentially weakening party hierarchies built on long-term members.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional Implications: As an amendment, it would require approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate before state ratification, bypassing ordinary legislation. The seven-year ratification window adds urgency but allows for potential delays or failures, similar to past amendments (e.g., the failed Equal Rights Amendment).
- Legal Implications: The partial-term rules (e.g., counting over one year for House or three years for Senate as full terms) prevent loopholes like short appointments to extend service. Once ratified, it would be enforceable by courts, potentially leading to challenges over mid-term replacements or eligibility disputes.
- Political Implications: Term limits have been a partisan issue, often supported by those seeking to curb "career politicians" but opposed for limiting voter choice. If enacted, it could reshape congressional dynamics, encouraging more focus on short-term achievements and possibly increasing the influence of lobbyists or executive branches due to less experienced legislators.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-04-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms an individual may serve as a Member of Congress. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (2 pages)