Congress Out of Touch with Real World--Time for 28th Amendment

Harry Reid (D), Senate Majority Leader and John Boehner (R), Speaker of the House

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House John Boehner represent the leadership of a  112th Congress that fails to grasp the reality of a world that has undergone enormous changes culturally, socially, politically, and economically.  Rhetoric reigns in both parties, making it difficult to pass meaningful legislation.  Is it time to "throw the bums out?" Yes, for many of them. In fact, the time has come for citizens to rise up and draft a constitutional amendment establishing term limits in Congress. Since two-thirds of the members of Congress must ratify such an amendment, the path to full ratification will prove herculean in nature. Once Congress ratifies an amendment, thirty-eight states must do so as well.

Given the complexity of passing this type of amendment, wording must be clear and concise, omitting any extraneous language.  Ham Wry believes that a twelve-year maximum should be established under the proposed twenty-eighth amendment.  Since senators serve six-year terms and representatives serve for two years, a successful amendment must allow for a total number of years rather than a number of terms. The amendment should also establish that the maximum applies to anyone who switches from one body of Congress to the other.

Readers might wonder why this would promote a more effective Congress.  Several reasons exist.  First, those elected would understand that Congress does not offer a lifetime career, which, in turn, would force the majority to work in real world jobs.  In that way, they would face the same concerns as ordinary citizens who earn less than $1,000,000 each year .  Second, Congress would focus more on its purpose, passing legislation, rather than currying favor with financial supporters. Lobbyists would also have greater difficulty influencing votes, knowing that they would no longer derive long-term benefits spending money to influence members of Congress.  Third, Congress would have new blood and more frequent change of leadership, which would stimulate innovation and streamline the often cumbersome process of doing business.  Although many other possibilities exist, the three mentioned would bring welcome change.

Change requires arduous work and commitment.  It’s happened twenty-seven times before, and it can again, if the effort can reach critical mass.  We limit the President to eight years.  We have much to gain in holding members of Congress to twelve years at most.