Dr. Michael Katz is the Delaware chair for the group U.S. Term Limits, as well as a former state senator.
“Career politicians.” It’s a phrase we hear every election cycle — in our mailboxes, on our TVs and on our phones.
There’s a reason candidates keep using it to describe their entrenched opponents: Voters are tired of politicians who treat public office as a lifelong career. We all know the type — they run for office, win and then keep running. The cycle continues, and year after year, they fail to deliver real results for the American people.
Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Congress. Regardless of which party is in control, Congress members repeatedly fail to pass a budget on time, cut excessive spending, invest in meaningful national defense or address the growing threat from China. Simply put, Congress has stopped working for us.
That’s why we need congressional term limits — now more than ever.
A recent RMG Research poll found that 83% of Americans support congressional term limits, across all political affiliations. It’s the most popular political issue in America today. That level of agreement is rare — and members of Congress should take notice.
Momentum is building. Over 151 members of Congress have pledged their support for term limits. The proposed amendment would limit representatives to three terms (six years) and senators to two terms (12 years). But let’s be honest — Congress is unlikely to vote to limit its own power. That’s why it’s time for the states to lead.
Under Article 5 of the Constitution, the states have the authority to call a convention for the sole purpose of proposing a term limits amendment. Once enough states join the call, Congress can be bypassed, and the amendment can be sent to the states for ratification.
This year, South Dakota and Indiana joined the growing list of states calling for such a convention. Delaware should be next.
Term limits would return power to the people, eliminate the grip of special interests and ensure that public office is a public service — not a career. It’s time for a Congress that reflects the will of the people, not one that serves its own self-preservation.
And here’s a bonus: Once term limits are in place, we won’t have to keep hearing about “career politicians” — because they’ll finally be a thing of the past.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
