# What This Bill Would Do

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would limit how long members of Congress can serve in office. If passed and ratified, it would prevent House members from serving more than three terms (six years total, since each term is two years) and prevent Senators from serving more than two terms (twelve years total, since each Senate term is six years). Right now, there are no term limits for Congress—members can theoretically serve for decades if voters keep reelecting them.

To become law, this amendment would need to pass both the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority in each chamber, then be approved by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years. This is an extremely high bar—only 27 amendments have ever been ratified since the Constitution was written. The bill includes a grandfather clause, meaning anyone currently serving in Congress when the amendment is ratified would be allowed to finish their career without restriction.

The practical effect would be significant: it would force experienced lawmakers to leave office whether they want to or not, potentially ending the careers of long-serving members who have built up seniority and influence. Supporters argue this would reduce the power of entrenched politicians and encourage fresh perspectives. Critics worry it could reduce institutional knowledge, weaken Congress as a branch of government, and actually increase the influence of lobbyists and staff who would have more experience than the rotating cast of elected officials. Voters would also lose the ability to reelect someone they believe is doing a good job simply because they've hit a term limit.