A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 1

119th Congress

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 7, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ted Cruz

Senator

Republican

TX

Cosponsors

19

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment establishing congressional term limits. Senators would be limited to two terms (12 years) and Representatives to three terms (6 years). It requires ratification by three-fourths of states within seven years.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment establishing congressional term limits. Senators would be limited to two terms (12 years) and Representatives to three terms (6 years). It requires ratification by three-fourths of states within seven years.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution establishing term limits for individuals serving in the Senate and the House of Representatives.The proposed amendment makes an individual who has served two terms in the Senate ineligible for appointment or election to the Senate and an individual who has served three terms as a Member of the House of Representatives ineligible for election to the House of Representatives.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.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Proposes constitutional amendment for term limits
Limits Senators to two terms (12 years)
Limits Representatives to three terms (6 years)
Requires ratification by 38 states
Must be ratified within seven years

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Career politicians could no longer serve indefinitely in Congress if this amendment is ratified. Term limits have broad public support but face opposition from many incumbents and require a high bar for constitutional amendments.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Related Subjects

Congressional elections

Constitution and constitutional amendments

House of Representatives

Members of Congress

Senate

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1, 119th Congress (2025). "A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sjres-1