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H.J.R.E.S. 5

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.

In Plain Language

This proposal would change the Constitution to limit how long someone can serve in Congress. House members could serve a maximum of 12 years (six two-year terms) and senators could serve a maximum of 12 years (two six-year terms). The limits wouldn't apply to people already in Congress. The proposal would need approval from three-fourths of the states within seven years to become part of the Constitution.

Official Congressional Research Service summary

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution to limit terms in the Senate and the House of Representatives.Specifically, the amendment limits an individual serving as a Member of the House of Representatives to six two-year terms and an individual serving as a Senator to two six-year terms. The amendment specifies that the term limits do not apply to an individual who served in either chamber of Congress before the 118th Congress. The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification. Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.

Sponsor

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

Cosponsors

Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]

Latest action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 3, 2025

Official source

View on Congress.gov ↗

Action history

Jan 3, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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