Dr. Michael Katz is the Delaware chair for the group U.S. Term Limits, as well as a former state senator.
As dysfunction in Washington, D.C., dominates headlines and trust in Congress hovers near an all-time low, Americans are united in support of one reform that cuts across party lines: congressional term limits.
This isn’t just a talking point — it’s a national consensus. Over 80% of voters — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — support term limits for Congress. Yet, despite decades of public demand, the institution most in need of reform refuses to reform itself.
It’s not hard to see why. Entrenched incumbency is one of the root causes of the gridlock that paralyzes our government. Career politicians grow increasingly detached from their constituents and more loyal to party leadership, special interests and the system that keeps them in office. The result is a culture of self-preservation, not public service.
Term limits are more than popular — they are essential.
First, they would help restore public trust in Congress. Right now, many Americans view Congress not as a representative body but as a permanent ruling class. Long-term incumbency has contributed to that perception. When the same faces occupy the same seats for decades, people begin to wonder whether their voices can ever truly be heard. Term limits would demonstrate that elected office is a privilege, not a career, and that the system is open to new leaders with fresh ideas.
Second, term limits would help break the cycle of dysfunction. Endless reelection campaigns incentivize partisan grandstanding and short-term thinking. Lawmakers spend more time fundraising than legislating, and critical issues — like debt, immigration and health care — go unaddressed. By removing the incentive to cling to office, term limits encourage public servants to focus on solving problems, not securing the next election.
Third, term limits would bring accountability and urgency to Congress. Knowing that their time in office is limited, legislators would be more likely to take bold action rather than kick the can down the road. We need leaders who are willing to act in the national interest — not just play it safe to protect their political careers.
Of course, some argue that elections are the ultimate term limits. But, in practice, that’s not how the system works. Incumbents win reelection at staggering rates — often over 90% — thanks to name recognition, gerrymandering, donor networks and partisan loyalty. Real competition is rare, and genuine accountability even rarer.
Implementing term limits would require a constitutional amendment, and Congress has shown little interest in voting to limit its own power. That’s why the solution may need to come from outside Washington. Under Article 5 of the Constitution, states have the authority to call a convention to propose amendments when Congress refuses to act. Several states have already passed resolutions calling for term limits, and momentum is growing.
This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a structural one. Whether you’re frustrated by progressive gridlock or conservative inaction, the problem stems from the same root: a system that prioritizes incumbency over innovation and political survival over national service.
Americans are ready for change. The question is whether our leaders will listen — or whether they’ll continue to ignore the one reform that nearly everyone agrees on.
If we want to restore confidence in Congress, revive its effectiveness and make Washington work again, congressional term limits must be part of the solution. The will of the people is clear. Now, it’s time to turn consensus into action.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
