Bills · HJRES 5
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Joint Res.HJRES 5House of RepresentativesCongressional elections
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.
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it attempts to fundamentally alter the structure of power in Washington D.C. If passed, it would lead to a significant turnover of elected officials, potentially bringing new perspectives and reducing the influence of long-serving incumbents. Supporters believe this could make Congress more responsive to current public opinion and less susceptible to special interests, as members would not be career politicians.
However, opponents argue that limiting terms could mean losing valuable experience and expertise, making Congress less effective at crafting complex legislation and overseeing the executive branch. It could also shift power to unelected staff or lobbyists who have more institutional knowledge. This proposal addresses a long-standing debate about the benefits and drawbacks of limiting political terms, with impacts on government efficiency, accountability, and the nature of political careers.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Limits Representatives to a maximum of six two-year terms, totaling 12 years of service.
This provision directly restricts the length of service for House members, promoting turnover.
PROVISION 02
Limits Senators to a maximum of two six-year terms, totaling 12 years of service.
This provision directly restricts the length of service for Senators, promoting turnover.
PROVISION 03
Any service for more than half a term (over one year for Representatives, over three years for Senators) counts as a full term.
This ensures that partial terms are included in the overall limit, preventing loopholes.
PROVISION 04
The term limits would not apply to any person who served in Congress during or before the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress.
This provision grandfathers in many current and former members, significantly limiting the immediate impact of the amendment on existing seniority.
PROVISION 05
The proposal is an amendment to the Constitution, requiring two-thirds approval from both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years.
This outlines the rigorous process needed to make such a fundamental change to the nation's governing document.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Pennsylvania
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
86
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSJAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Introduced in House
JAN 3
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Joint Resolution
NumberHJRES 5
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 3, 2025
Last actionJan 3, 2025
READER REACTIONS
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025
House Joint Res.HJRES 5House of RepresentativesCongressional elections
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.
INTRODUCED JAN 3, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
