WATCHING WASHINGTON LIMITING LAWMAKERS' TERMS

With Patrick Crow In his State of the Union message this month, President Bush plans to endorse a proposal for a constitutional amendment limiting the terms of congressmen. It's another example of a state issue catching on at the federal level. And the issue is deeply rooted in politics. Last year Oklahoma, Colorado, and California voters limited the terms of state legislators. The movement is predicted to spread to 20 other states this year and next.

Jan. 7, 1991

3 min read

In his State of the Union message this month, President Bush plans to endorse a proposal for a constitutional amendment limiting the terms of congressmen.

It's another example of a state issue catching on at the federal level. And the issue is deeply rooted in politics.

Last year Oklahoma, Colorado, and California voters limited the terms of state legislators. The movement is predicted to spread to 20 other states this year and next.

A national group, Americans to Limit Congressional Terms, has been formed to push for limited congressional terms. Most proposals are for a 12 year limit: two terms for Senators and six for House members.

SUPPORT FOR THE MOVEMENT

Bush's support should help the national campaign somewhat, although his motives may be suspect. A term limitation theoretically would retire virtually all current Democratic congressional leaders and committee chairmen and ease Bush's battles with Congress.

Last year a Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans it surveyed support limited terms. In a New York Times/CBS News poll it was 61%.

As would be expected, most congressmen, including Republicans, are not enamored of the idea. Democrats say Republicans are using the issue to try to gain seats they can't win at the ballot box.

Congressmen argue the measure would deny the nation experienced legislative leaders and many congressmen serve less than 12 years anyway.

Rep. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.) also argues, "Members of Congress who knew that after 12 years they had to seek other work ... would be tempted to favor special interest groups that could offer them employment after their legislative careers were over."

The movement stems from the fact most Americans think one of the key problems with Congress is that too many members are entrenched, using donations from special interests to ensure their continued reelection.

Sen. Gordon Humphrey (R-N.H.), who retired last year, said, "Imagine the change in attitudes if every new member of Congress knew he could not make a career of Congress."

Although Congress is not collectively popular, voters see their individual congressmen differently. Despite an antiincumbent mood in the electorate last fall, voters reelected 96% of House members and all but one of 33 senators.

A limit on terms might be more popular in the House if it permitted those congressmen 4 year rather than 2 year terms.

Many complain they must raise funds and campaign constantly, to the detriment of their official duties.

Speaking off the record, oil lobbyists generally favor 12 year limits. They say it would cost the industry some old friends, but it would remove many more entrenched enemies.

HEAT ON THE ADMINISTRATION

In a political counterattack, some House Democrats are pushing a plan to put more heat on the administration.

Rep. Sam Gejdenson (D-Conn.) will press for a resolution that would require cabinet officials to appear on the House floor to answer questions by congressmen. Such a question period is central to the parliamentary system of government.

Congressmen complain cabinet officers may be willing to testify before Congress about their budget requests but too often are unwilling to testify on other issues.