Ed Markey: “I rise today to speak on a matter that should not require clarification. In the United States of America, no President…”

“I rise today to speak on a matter that should not require clarification. In the United States of America, no President, Republican or Democrat, serves more than two terms. That is not a suggestion; that is not a tradition; that is the law of the United States, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Yet, once again, President Donald Trump is openly suggesting that he should have a third term. In an interview with NBC News, he was asked directly about his repeated comments on seeking a third term. This time, he left no room for doubt. He said he was ``not joking'' about a third term--``not joking.'' So let's be clear. This is not the first time Donald Trump has toyed with the idea of clinging to power beyond what the Constitution allows. He has mused about serving 10 or 12 or even 16 years. He has floated the notion of repealing the 22nd Amendment. His supporters have worn T-shirts reading ``Trump 2028.'' His allies have spread the baseless notion that he was ``owed'' extra years because of supposed injustices against him. Each time, when confronted, his defenders--Members of this very body--have dismissed it as a big joke. But the man himself has now made it clear: He was not joking. So why are congressional Republicans still pretending that he was joking? Let's review what the Constitution actually says. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, states unequivocally: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice. No exceptions.…”