# Term Limits for Congress: What This Proposed Amendment Would Do

This proposal would change the U.S. Constitution to limit how long members of Congress can serve. Specifically, it would allow House members to serve a maximum of four consecutive terms (eight years total) and senators to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms (also eight years total). Right now, there are no term limits—members can serve as many terms as voters will elect them to, potentially for decades.

The main effect would be that every House member would have to leave office after eight years, and every senator after eight years as well. This means experienced lawmakers who have built up seniority and expertise would be forced out, even if voters wanted to keep them. Supporters argue this would reduce the influence of long-serving politicians and special interests that develop relationships over many years. Critics worry it would shift power toward staff members and lobbyists who would have more institutional knowledge than the constantly rotating group of elected officials.

For average voters, this could mean more "fresh faces" in Congress but potentially less experienced representation. It would also likely increase the time politicians spend campaigning for their next job, since they'd always be aware their time in office is limited. The amendment would need to pass both the House and Senate with two-thirds majorities, then be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures to become law—a very high bar that makes this type of constitutional change rare.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve to four in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.

Hollingsworth, Trey

 <p>This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting Representatives to four terms and Senators to two terms. Terms beginning before ratification of this amendment do not count towards these term limits.</p>