DysfunctionalGovernment: Why We Need Congressional Term Limits
Americans Want Term Limits
This rare unity stands out amidst an era fraught with discord and disagreement.
And the Middle Class Party intends to support what Americans want.
Why Are Term Limits So Important?
Here are a few notable examples:
John Dingell: Served 59 years, 21 days
Robert Byrd: Served 57 years, 176 days
Carl Hayden: Served 56 years, 319 days
Chuck Grassley: Still in office, first elected in 1980
And why do politicians stay in office for decades? It's not the genuine desire to serve constituents or improve the country. Rather, it's the allure of prolonged political careers in Washington, entailing a plethora of perks, privileges, and million-dollar pensions associated with the job. This is an addition to the annual allowances for travel and other expenses
Oh, and don’t forget that members of congress are exempt from certain insider trading rules when it comes to the stock market. So while the American public is bound by SEC rules and regulations when it comes to their investments, a third of the 100 members of Congress who reported financial transactions in 2023 beat the S&P 500, which was up 24% that year. Broken down by party, Republicans earned an average of 18% returns on their trades while Democrats earned 33%.
But don’t worry. Congress is also asking for a raise, despite the fact that the $174,000 a year salary is far more than the $74,580 median household income as reported in 2022, according to the US Census.
Let’s face it. Being a member of congress gets you lifetime access to an exclusive club that ensures that individuals are inclined to remain within that club no matter their age, popularity, or ability to do the job they were elected for. This perpetuates a disconnect between both current and former members of Congress and the experiences of everyday Americans.
How Term Limits Will Improve America
Limiting the power of lobbyists. As of 2023, there were 12,937 registered lobbyists, an increase from 2022. We believe that term limits will serve to diminish the sway of lobbyists and special interests, entities that currently wield disproportionate power within our system. Through regular turnover, term limits will disrupt the cozy relationships lobbyists presently cultivate with career politicians, reducing their ability to exploit such connections.
Prioritize problem-solving. Seeing as most members of congress are focused on enriching themselves and securing their re-election, the American people are not being served. Congress is supposed to solve problems, not endlessly fundraise. We firmly believe that implementing term limits would catalyze a transformative shift in the political culture, refocusing the attention of members towards proactive problem-solving and authentic service to their constituents.
We Need You
Learn more about The Middle Class party and together we can shape a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, one that prioritizes the interests of citizens over the self-interest of career politicians.