Nathan Deal: “term limits for Members of Congress is an idea whose time has come. We have seen 22 States attempt to limit the…”

“term limits for Members of Congress is an idea whose time has come. We have seen 22 States attempt to limit the membership in this body by statutory law within their States. Those limitations have ranged from 6 years to 12 years, with variations in between. We have seen constitutional amendments proposed in this body that likewise range from 6 years to 12 years with variations in between. Today, Mr. Speaker, I, along with the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Minge], the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Meehan], and the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Kingston], have introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would set an outward boundary of 12 years for membership in both this body and the body across the way. But it also has the unique provision of allowing States the authority by statute to set any limitation less than that that they choose. I say to my colleagues: If you believe in States rights, if you believe in federalism, if you believe in term limits that allow States flexibility, I would urge you to join with us in cosponsoring this constitutional amendment.”