Alcee Hastings: “A gimmick, Mr. Chairman; this Chamber is using our precious time on a gimmick. While schoolhouses are falling down…”

“A gimmick, Mr. Chairman; this Chamber is using our precious time on a gimmick. While schoolhouses are falling down around this country and the homeless are going without shelter and the infirm are going without proper medical care, the House will spend its business today debating an amendment to the Constitution that would limit the people's choice to who shall represent them. Do not just take my word for it, Mr. Chairman. We have the most imminent Americans over the past 220 years who have opposed plans such as the one we are debating today. Alexander Hamilton made it clear that the proponents of term limits were shortsighted thinkers. Term limits, Hamilton argued, could deprive the Nation of the experience and wisdom gained by an incumbent, perhaps just when that experience is needed most. Mr. Chairman, it is worth noting that much of the greatest legislation of our Nation's history was introduced and passed by Congresspersons late in their tenure as Members of Congress. Term limits would have unseated Daniel Webster and Henry Clay 10 years before they forged the 1850 compromise. John Sherman introduced his landmark Antitrust Act in his 29th year in Congress. Paul Douglas introduced the Voting Rights Act in his 16th year in Congress, and the list goes on.…”