Us Congress Senate Bill SJR2

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23

Caption

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

Impact

If SJR2 were to be ratified, it would lead to significant changes in the composition of Congressional representation. By enforcing term limits, the bill seeks to promote a more equitable system where new voices can emerge and participate in governance, potentially increasing civic engagement and voter turnout. Moreover, the amendment is seen as a response to public dissatisfaction with perceived political stagnation and corruption among long-serving officials, thereby aiming to restore faith in the legislative process.

Summary

SJR2 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States aimed at limiting the number of terms that members of Congress can serve. Specifically, the resolution stipulates that no individual may serve more than three terms as a Representative or two terms as a Senator. This amendment addresses concerns around political longevity and the potential entrenchment of career politicians in Washington, D.C. Proponents argue that limiting terms could inject fresh perspectives into Congress and enhance political accountability.

Contention

However, the proposal faces opposition from various quarters. Critics argue that term limits could strip Congress of experienced legislators who have established expertise and deep understanding of complex issues. There are concerns that the frequent turnover of representatives could hinder legislative continuity and the effective handling of long-term policies. Furthermore, opponents suggest that rather than implementing term limits, efforts should focus on enhancing voter engagement and accountability through electoral reforms, such as ranked choice voting or campaign finance reform.