Congress; call convention to set term limits on members elected to the House of Representatives; apply
Impact
If successful, HR1043 could significantly alter the political landscape by formally limiting the duration of service for federal legislators. The proposed term limits are intended to inject new energy into the legislative process and ensure that representatives remain accountable to their constituents. Proponents argue that by capping the number of terms, it would discourage the entrenchment of power that can occur with career politicians and thus promote a more dynamic and responsive government. Moreover, this initiative aligns with a growing national sentiment for reforming the political system to enhance democracy and representation.
Summary
House Resolution 1043 calls for the United States Congress to convene a constitutional convention specifically to propose amendments aimed at establishing term limits for members of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. The resolution emphasizes the need for such amendments to ensure that elected officials do not remain in power indefinitely, reflecting the belief that term limits would serve the public interest by encouraging fresh perspectives and reducing complacency among long-serving legislators. By invoking Article V of the U.S. Constitution, the resolution seeks to activate a mechanism that requires two-thirds of states to apply in order for Congress to initiate such a convention.
Contention
Despite the support for HR1043, it faces notable opposition. Critics argue that term limits could lead to a loss of experienced lawmakers and the institutional knowledge necessary to navigate complex legislative issues. They contend that rather than encouraging fresh ideas, such limitations might inadvertently strengthen the influence of lobbyists and bureaucrats, who would remain unchanged by the application of term limits. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential for political maneuvering in the selection of delegates for the convention, possibly complicating the amendment process and leading to unintended consequences for the governance structure.
US Congress; limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected; apply to call a convention