H.J.Res. 12In committeeGovernment & democracy
Proposed amendment would cap congressional terms
Data as of July 11, 2026
This proposed constitutional amendment would limit House members to 3 terms and Senators to 2 terms, starting fresh for current members.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This is a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would set term limits for Congress. House members could serve at most three two-year terms, and Senators could serve at most two six-year terms. Partial terms count as full terms if a House member fills a vacancy for more than one year, or a Senator for more than three years.
Who does it affect?
This would affect every current and future member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Current members would start with a clean slate, meaning their time already served would not count toward the new limits.
Why does it matter?
If passed, members of Congress would be unable to run again once they reach their term limit. The change would only take effect if two-thirds of both chambers approve it and three-fourths of state legislatures ratify it within seven years.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
- Introduced:
- January 6, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 6, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.