[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRUE ELECTORAL REFORM: TERM LIMITS WITH 3 4-YEAR TERMS

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                           HON. BILL McCOLLUM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a proposed 
amendment to the Constitution that will not only limit the number of 
terms a Member of Congress may serve. This proposal would extend the 
length of a single term in the House from 2 to 4 years. Senators would 
remain in 6-year terms.
  The arguments for term limits are well-known. The Founding Fathers 
could not have envisioned today's government, with year-round sessions 
and careers in Congress. Term limits would eliminate the careerism that 
permeates this institution, enticing Members to work toward extending 
their careers--a goal sometimes at odds with the common good. There are 
simply too many competing interest groups.
  However, my proposal takes the essence of term limits, to limit the 
influence of careerism and the incessant campaigning it requires, by 
increasing the length of a term in the House of Representatives. 
Currently, each Member of the House serves 2-year terms. That means 
that after each election, a House incumbent must begin campaigning 
again almost immediately. This dangerous cycle almost never stops. A 4-
year term would mitigate this to a certain degree. Looking at it 
another way, a person would have to run only three times to serve the 
maximum number of years. That is certainly an improvement, especially 
when tied to term limits.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that a 4-year term will not 
eliminate the House of Representatives' function as the people's House. 
Today's technology almost instantly allows people in Washington, DC to 
know how the people they represent in their district feel about issues 
of the day. No longer must Representatives periodically make the trek 
home to put themselves back in touch with the local wants and needs. 
Now we fly home on weekends, read our local papers in DC, receive 
countless polls and tune in to the news.
  In the end, Mr. Speaker, there will be no loss of service by 
lengthening the term of office while limiting them. Indeed, it will 
improve as more attention is paid to legislating instead of 
campaigning. This is a complete reform package deserving of our 
attention.

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