We need term limits. I favor longer rather than shorter terms, perhaps twelve years (two Senate terms and the equivalent period in the House). Experience does matter and Members do improve after they’ve been through the budget cycle a few times and logged serious time on their subcommittees. People sometimes suggest a six year term, but that would toss Members out just as they’ve learned the job. Twelve years strikes me as an appropriate period. The main thing is to get rid of the lifers. We would lose some good ones, but we would also lose those who have built an unassailable political machine, have become members for life, and who forget who they’re working for.
No, instead of giving them a decade plus, make the job simpler. Each bill, no attachments. Votes straight up and down. One single typed page for each bill, 10 point print.
However, I believe the STATES have the right to choose their ambassadors to the federal government, not the people. Therefore, I support the repeal of the 17th amendment so that the state legislatures can select their own Senators who will follow the interests of the states or not be renewed.
-PJ
No. Two terms per office and then “up or out”.
Some optional items: Terms may not be consecutive. Each term is followed by an audit.