[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 2 (Thursday, January 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION

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                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 1997

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, as the 105th Congress addresses the issue of 
financing campaigns, I believe we must first change the nature of our 
election cycle and limit the number of terms a Member can serve. The 
recent elections demonstrate that action on both campaign finance 
reform and term limits is needed and desired by the American people. 
Today, I am introducing legislation that combines a solution for 
achieving term limits and easing campaign finance burdens. This 
amendment would limit Members of the House to three 4-year terms and 
limit Senators to two 6-year terms. This is a lifetime ban. It would 
take effect only on terms of office beginning after the ratification of 
the amendment. By extending the terms of Representatives from 2 to 4 
years, we can better limit the influence of politics and elections in 
the House and focus on better policies and laws for our country. 
Additionally, Members of the House would not be burdened by 
increasingly expensive elections every 2 years because the terms would 
be increased to 4.
  Fundamental institutional change is needed in order to improve the 
American people's confidence in Congress and to return to the Founding 
Fathers' ideal of a citizen legislature. We should abide by the will of 
the people and end career politics as we know it. While term limits 
will not solve all our country's problems, or the need to overhaul our 
campaign finance system, it is a large step in the right direction. It 
continues the process of reform and strengthens the integrity of 
Congress. Let us succeed where we failed last congress and pass term 
limits.

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