Congressional term limits is a topic that is heavily debated each year among voters, members of Congress, and even the leaders of our country. Most of these representatives and senators have served countless terms with years of inefficient work. After a certain amount of time, these politicians’ agenda shifts from improving the United States to bettering themselves. Take Robert Byrd, he served 57 years and eventually died in office. Serving consecutive terms for that amount of time doesn’t do the American government or people any good. Congressional term limits must be issued in order to sustain the democracy that this country was founded upon.

With term limits in place the people would once again have a voice in politics. For those who don’t know, the Senate and House of Representatives were put in place so that the American people could elect officials who were going to listen and act on what change they wanted. This has become an idea of the past with representatives that are not progressing towards helping the people who elected them. Instead, these officials are content with selling their vote to the highest bidder. Some would say that term limits could take power away from voters, in that it would take away the choice to elect the same representatives if you liked what they accomplished in office. This point does stand, but what if you take in the account of the President. The highest office in the United States is only allowed two terms and that is for a reason, so why isn’t this extended into the people who create our laws, approve our Supreme Court justices, etc? U.S. representative Ron DeSantis said, “Americans of all political background overwhelmingly support term limits, yet term limits have floundered in Congress.” This is a direct example of congress hearing what the American people want but not delivering it because they are looking out for their own interest. Keeping the same person in office for 30 plus years doesn’t allow for new ideas to be heard and acted upon.

With fresh blood in Congress constantly changing, the new representatives and senators will be able to bring up new ways around existing problems that older congressmen/women haven’t seen or have been opposing. If term limits were put in place, representatives would have a smaller window of opportunity to make their mark and get something done. It motivates them to put bills in place while they have a seat rather than just collecting a paycheck. When the older majority of Congress steps back and really thinks about what they can solve without their wallets or egos in the way, it would accomplish much more than what is currently happening. According to Rasmussen Reports’ national telephone survey, 74 percent of U.S. voters supported term limits for all members of Congress, 13 percent opposed, and the additional 13 percent were undecided. It is clear what the people want and nothing is being done, which goes against the main principle for why congress exists. For too long there have been no restrictions on the people of power, and it needs to stop.