The American people want term limits for members of the U.S. Congress. But contrary to the will of the people, there have never been more career politicians in Washington.
A new report from the Washington Examiner has found that "the rate with which politicians from both parties are turning Congress into a career has risen dramatically over time."
Democratic Congressmen John Dingell, John Conyers and Charlie Rangel have all served in the House of Representatives for well over 40 consecutive years. It's not exactly the change President Obama promised in 2008.
Fifty-two Democrats and 26 Republicans have served more than 10 terms in Congress, a Washington Examiner analysis of legislative data shows. The rate with which politicians from both parties are turning Congress into a career has risen dramatically over time.
Even as America's population has grown, its society has become more inclusive, and technology has lowered the barrier to entry to join the political discourse, Americans are narrowing their sights to an ever-smaller cadre of politicians to represent them in Congress.
Congress doesn't plan to address this problem any time soon. Why would they? They like the power and prestige that comes with federal office, and they won't give it up without a fight.
Fortunately, Article V of the U.S. Constitution allows the people, acting through their state legislatures, to impose term limits themselves.
By calling an Article V Convention of States, the people can propose a constitutional amendment that limits the terms of office for federal officials. This will help ensure that politicians focus on serving the American people rather their getting reelected every two years.
