[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E4-E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       LIMIT CONGRESSIONAL TERMS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, as one who has consistently maintained that 
term limits are an integral part of congressional reform, I am pleased 
to reintroduce a resolution to limit Representatives to three 4-year 
terms.
  The current system of unlimited 2-year terms hinders the advancement 
of legislation that is in the Nation's best interest. Members are 
distracted by reelection concerns and often sacrifice what it best for 
the country in favor of parochial interests. Under a system of limited 
terms, the Congress would be a citizen legislative body as the Framers 
of the Constitution intended. Moreover, congressional term limits 
promote government efficiency and are conducive to a smaller Federal 
Government, as Members would be less compelled to support unnecessary 
port-barrel spending.
  Although the 104th Congress was not successful in advancing a term 
limits amendment,

[[Page E5]]

I am encouraged that the House leadership has not abandoned this worthy 
cause. We will have an opportunity in the opening days of this Congress 
to vote on a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution to limit our 
terms and send a message to the public that we are dedicated to 
building upon last Congress' reforms.
  Mr. Speaker, support for term limits remains strong among voters. I 
encourage my colleagues to favorably respond to their call and vote to 
limit congressional terms.

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