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A joint resolution requesting the call of a convention for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the number of terms of office that may be served by federal legislators.
Subcommittee members: Guth-CH, Bisignano, Dawson
Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: 217 Conference Room
Comments Submitted:
Download CommentsThe purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
03-01-2021
Jonathan Walter []
I feel reasonable term limits are vitally important to maintaining a fresh flow of ideas, a balance of power, and ensuring proper representation of 'We The People of the United States of America.'
03-01-2021
Jeff Snaadt []
Please help end career politicians and let's get some term limits in place for Congress. It's the biggest flaw in the system and has eroded democracy in this country to the point there's far too little of it left. Life long politicians don't work for the American people, they have a consistent record of working for themselves or in the best interests of large corporations. Please, please help.Thank you.
03-01-2021
Ronda Jasper [Ronda L. Jasper Counseling]
The amendment to the Constitution of the Untied States limiting the number of terms of office that may be served by federal legislators is an important proposal. The impact of having lifelong terms has been detrimental to our Republic. Being a public servant should never be a way to earn a living and maintain power. Limiting terms would be an easy way to allow for novel ideas and freshness to our legislative branch of government.
03-01-2021
Judy Turner []
It is Imperative that we pass term limits for the Legislature.
03-01-2021
Kris DeWandel []
Definitely need term limits, no special Health insurance or retirement.
03-01-2021
Russell Brown []
Long overdue!!!!!!
03-01-2021
Mike Mach []
Please support the effort to impose term limits on members of Congress. No one should make a career out of a political office and its far too difficult to defeat incumbents. We need new people in Congress if we are going to get creative solutions to the problems our state and country face.
03-01-2021
Jodi Lueschow []
PLEASE VOTE FOR SJR 11!!! This has gone on long enough!! Federal Legislators need to have term limits!!! This is beyond believable on how long this has been allowed to happen!!! WE NEED THIS AMENDMENT!!! Thanks for listening! From a concerned citizen of these United States, Jodi Lueschow
03-01-2021
Thomas Mess []
All I can say this is way past do to happen.
03-01-2021
Lucy Gottlieb [Self]
We are way past due for term limits. Unfortunately, when the same people get elected over and over again. They've a tendency to ignore the people and go about serving their personal agenda. Many do it for money which makes it even more corrupt.
03-01-2021
Ingrid Buster []
NO Dominion etc. voting machines is a MUST term limits is a MUST and PRAYER to God for mercy and help.
03-01-2021
Bruce CHRYSTAL []
Please support bill SJR11. Our system is broken and needs to change. Term limits for congress is long over due!
03-01-2021
Bruce CHRYSTAL []
Please support bill SJR11. Our system is broken and needs to change. Term limits for congress is long over due!
03-01-2021
Kerry Sturm []
There should be a limit of 12 years only, then they retire on their own. No lifetime benefits, same Healthcare as all the people of U.S. Subject to same laws as citizen, no exemptions! Thank yo
03-01-2021
Faye Spencer []
I believe in term limits as we need new blood & ideas. People like Grassley have been in office too long & gotten rich while doing little for middle to low income people!
03-01-2021
Dennis Galli []
We need term limits on congress and Senate seats. The president has two term limits, I think congress should have at least 3 to 4 terms. With term limits they should start to work for the people that elected them.
03-01-2021
Wendy Walton []
I believe in term limits are a must, due to the abuse of power some of the long term representives have displayed. After a long period of time they stop listening to the people that they were Elected to serve and do what benefits their personal interests.I believe all Elected officials should be held at the same standards and Term limits are needed across the board.
03-01-2021
robert breiner [john deere employee dubq]
two year term is long enough to serve our country and do more what is good for the people it will stop some of the corruption
03-01-2021
robert breiner [john deere employee dubq]
two year term is long enough to serve our country and do more what is good for the people it will stop some of the corruption thanks
03-01-2021
Conrad Halden []
Please pass this resolution so it can be voted on the by the entire state legislator on help define the next 200 years of this great country so that a select few no longer have the privilege of controlling the government.
03-01-2021
Casey Miller [Storm Lake Chiropractic]
You are elected to serve us the people not to pander to be a career politician. We the people demand that limitations be put forth on those who have served past their ability to speak for us as the special interests have gotten to you the senators/representatives as you no longer are able to make decisions that relate to us the people because the majority of you have been bought. Chuck, it is time to go ....not like you have had your 40year career. Time for new blood.....this political circus cannot continue as we the Patriots have now spoken! Sincerely ,DrC
03-01-2021
Janice Wheelock []
Please put the American first by supporting term limits rather than supporting politicians that just want to line their pockets with no concern for the average Americans.
03-01-2021
Kim Miller []
I support the term limits legislation being considered under SJR11.
03-01-2021
Melissa Thomas []
No more career politicians. Our representatives should represent us and 70+ year old whitemen do not represent American workers. Fresh ideas, opportunities for change. Its the will of the people.
03-01-2021
Korry Tessen []
Esteemed members of the Subcommittee:Please give serious thought and consideration to the legislation before you. The Federal Government is running out of control and we desperately need to limit the terms for the elected officials at the Federal level.
03-01-2021
Timothy Downing []
Term limits for federal legislators is long overdue. There are currently nine US Senators who have served at least 38 years. There are 12 House Representatives who have served at least 30 years, with the current longest sitting representative having served for 48 years. Our own Senator Grassely has been in Congress for 46 years; since I was 12 years old. Our founders could not have envisioned anyone serving for that long. Representatives are supposed to be citizen legislators...they should serve for a limited time and return to civilian life.Congress passed the 22nd Amendment to limit the Presidential terms in office. It is hard to imagine they would have the courage to do the same for themselves. This is why I am urging you to support the call of a convention for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the number of terms of office that may be served by federal legislators. If the US Congress refuses to propose an Amendment, the States have a duty to bypass Congress through a convention of the States.
03-01-2021
Richard Crawford []
After watching the actions of Congress for several years, I see no hope in what we now have. The only way to correct the problem is term limits, with no "life time" gravy train that follows years of childish games that now are currently going on in Congress. One only needs to look back as far as the Covid relief bill to see the problem. Very little of the 1.9 Trillion dollars is for Covid relief. Our current Congress, both House and Senate are more concerned with taking care of the world than the citizens of the United States.Term Limits are a must to break up the Good O'l Boy system we now have.
03-01-2021
Duaine Eden []
Nobody deserves a lifetime of success
03-01-2021
Gary Books []
This the only way to keep you all from being crooks. Nobody should go to Washington and leave a millnare. There no one in Washington i trust.
03-01-2021
Marilyn Straw []
It's time we do this.
03-01-2021
Jerry Hatfield [Retired]
Term limits are needed to return both the House and Senate to representing their constituents and not special interest. Elected office was not meant to be a career but a service to the people. We see this as evidenced by the recent actions in the House.
03-01-2021
David Hamilton []
I strongly support term limits
03-01-2021
Shelley Anderson []
Hello, and thank you for discussing this important topic.My name is Shelley Anderson and I support the proposal for term limits for our federal congress. I believe the majority of voters regardless of party support this proposal. Several Senators that I have contacted have been concerned that having a convention would "open the door" to rewriting the US constitution. This is not the case. This resolution would be specific to term limits for our federal legislators. It would be an amendment much the same as the 22nd amendment which puts term limits on our president.Right now our government is not working for us. Neither side will work together. Once elected, incumbents are almost always reelected (over 90%) This keeps individuals in congress year after year....We need fresh ideas and new talent.According to Statista the approval rating for congress is at 25%. 71% Disapprove and the other 4% don't care. This is awful. Proof that what we are doing right now is not working.I respectfully request that the proposal be approved. Thank you,Shelley Anderson
03-01-2021
K.C. Feldbauer []
term limits for all
03-01-2021
Lori Kemp []
It is time to limit how many terms members of Congress serve. It is time to give the power back to the people and make the job one of public service again.
03-01-2021
Mauricsa Merryfield []
Please support term limits. It is the answer to many of our nations problems.
03-01-2021
Jim Wilke []
Lets follow our founding fathersAnd bring the word true statesman back. It was never meant to be a lifelong power grab
03-01-2021
Robert Talbot []
Term limits are the only way we can move back into a volunteer legislature. I hope you can understand and see by the failure of our federal government to get anything done that we need to stop career politicians.Thank you,Rob Talbot
03-01-2021
Karen Lonsdale []
Please support legislation to activate TERM LIMITS.
03-02-2021
Jana Simmons []
Please support term limits for Congress. These positions were meant to serve the USA and fellow Americans. Congress was not meant to establish persons as longterm career politicians. Just as there are term limits on the office of President there should also be term limits on the other offices of Congress.
03-02-2021
Richard Headley []
Ibelieve we need term limits because if we had term limits and then the people had to go back to civilian life without the benifit of out rageous public funded pensions maybe they would actually pass laws and bills to benefit the working people. They should draw a paycheck while in office then nothing once out of office accept social security like the working man. If in office too long they take advantage and get power hungry and make rules for themselves so they can get rich and not be subject to the laws.
03-02-2021
Brenda Siregar []
It is important to have Term limits so to keep from getting stagnant. Like it is now. To old ideas does not help our beautiful country. Need new blood not old
03-02-2021
Mike Manuel []
We have needed term limits for 40 years, In my opinion this is one of the only ways we can get bills passed without all the pork in them. line items
03-02-2021
Paul Reimann []
If the position of President is limited to two consecutive terms for a maximum of eight yeats, it is not right to allow members of Congress to rule for 30 years!
03-02-2021
Marilyn DeVries []
Our republic needs this convention to limit the power of certain individuals over our state. We need to rotate people in and out who will support the best interests or our people, not the their cronies or party alignments. Please vote in favor of this convention. As witnessed in the last year, the people in Washington DC are not looking at our best interests and are being swayed by lobbyist year after year. Please vote yes to term limits.
03-02-2021
Natalie McFarlane []
Please support of SJR11 and Term Limits for Congress as is desired by most Americans. It's time for the circus to end.Thank you!
03-02-2021
John Root [retired]
We must do away with the worshiping of the reelection GOD IT IS IN OUR WAY OF BEING SERVED
03-02-2021
Sandra Knapp []
President has term limits.Congress must have term limits. Our founders planned for citizens to serve then go home being replaced by different citizens, not serve 50 years becoming rich.
03-02-2021
Brenda Holcomb []
Please please please support term limits. We have such a mess in Washington right now. Its imperative that we get the hate out of our government. Theres no place for this horrible intolerance.
03-02-2021
Lois Kloster []
Should never be allowed to serve more than 2 terms.
03-02-2021
Ted Ewing []
Please support SJR11 as we have resolve this problem for America.Thank you.Ted
03-02-2021
William Dikis [Architectural Strategies LLC]
I strongly agree with this resolution. Thanks for originating the bill and supporting it.
03-02-2021
Christopher Wand []
Imposing term limits on US Senators and Representatives is in the interest of all Americans. 12 years is long enough for any federal legislator to serve. I support keeping Senate terms to (2) 6year terms. I also think that Representative terms should be changed to 4year terms with a maximum of 3 terms per Representative. With this change in term length for Representatives, they wouldn't be in campaign mode from the day they enter the House. If a person serves in both chambers for the maximum number of terms, they would be in Congress for a maximum of 24 years. I think nearly a quarter century is MORE than enough time to gain influence, affect legislation and move on.
03-02-2021
Clay Hastings []
Give us term limits now. Noone should be allowed to suffer the people for a lifetime. Get on do a good job then get back to society and live under the rules you created.
03-02-2021
Michael Morgan []
Please we need term limits of our federal positions. To much greed and power hungry people keep getting elected making false promises. Thank you for your time and service.
03-02-2021
Mick Hatcher []
reduce the number of years any
03-02-2021
Tom Compton []
Hi,I feel term limits are absolutely essential in our challenge of returning our government to it's original charter / intent. We are way off base.Thanks,Tom
03-02-2021
Walter Hyde []
Please PASS " TERM LIMITS " !!!!!! We The People NEED This , CITIZEN LEGISLATORS , NOT Career POLITICIANS !!!!!!!! Thank You , Walter E. Hyde
03-02-2021
Judith Jaques []
Vote yes to SJR 11 for a convention of states. To implement term limits, on the corrupt career politicians in congress who have had decades to improve the countries effectiveness and have failed. Judith Jaques
03-02-2021
Julie Snyder []
Please vote for this... we the people are tired of career politicians note working for us the people. You have my vote... unless u fail to pass this. Thank you in advance.Sincerely,Tired voter of all the games
03-02-2021
John Book []
I strongly encourage you to vote yes on the term limits bill. Making a lifetime career out of it needs to come to an end. I needs to be just like the president two years and that is it.............
03-02-2021
Larry Barr []
Every one in United States congress should be limited to a certain amount of years and not be allowed to become a full time profesional politican. The soomer this happens the better off the people of the United States will be. VOTE FOR TERM LIMITS
03-02-2021
John Wright []
I am sick and tired of the life time Congress members that think that they are God's and think that they have the right to change the constitution to fit their agenda. I also agree that all millionaires in Congress should be audited by the IRS.
03-02-2021
John Wright []
I am sick and tired of the life time Congress members that think that they are God's and think that they have the right to change the constitution to fit their agenda. I also agree that all millionaires in Congress should be audited by the IRS.
03-02-2021
jeff halbur []
need term limits.8 years max include those already in office
03-02-2021
jeff halbur []
need term limits.8 years max include those already in office
03-02-2021
jeff halbur []
need term limits.8 years max include those already in office
03-02-2021
jeff halbur []
need term limits.8 years max include those already in office
03-02-2021
John Wright []
I am sick and tired of the life time Congress members that think that they are God's and think that they have the right to change the constitution to fit their agenda. I also agree that all millionaires in Congress should be audited by the IRS.
03-02-2021
Jim Brown []
It is time for term limits as set by our Constitution of the United States of America. Our Government has gotten out of control as our politicians become comfortable in Washington and have forgotten who they work for, "We The People."The politicans of Washington have become fat on the backs of the American people of who they are to serve and have made life long careers of it as they have the best of Insurance, income for life, no college tuition for there kids, (no wonder they want the tax payers to be burdened and pay for everyone else as well).I believe according to the Constitution that you are to serve your term and rertun to your life as you came, not to become wealthy, to have the best insurance available, and on and on and on...To return as you were...to serve the people...the people that elected you...WE THE PEOPLE!!!
03-02-2021
Dan Burkhardt []
I strongly support term limits on all federal legislators. I also support term limits on the state and county levels.
03-02-2021
Brad AHearn [Brad AHearn Plumbing Services]
Our Federal government was never intended to be a life long career. Too many men an women are bevoming entrenched in their positions and moving farther and farther away from the people they are supposed to represent. We limit the terms of our President for fear that he or she might gain too much control over us. It is time to do the same with our Senators and Representatives
03-02-2021
Brian A'Hearn [CLEAResult]
I would like to see term limits placed on members of congress as soon as possible!!!!!
03-02-2021
Chris Fowler []
I urge you to support Term Limits legislation.
03-02-2021
Curtis Husske []
Term Limits are needed to stop the partisan politics in this country. The Original intent of being elected to Congress was to serve your state/country, then return to your home state or city and continue your profession. It has become apparent that the taxpayers of the United States are supporting politicians with way too much in the way of salary, benefits, pensions, and other costly job related expenses. Why is it that if you are a politician, you get the best Health Care, at no cost I might add, and the citizens of the United States have to pay for subpar Health Care? Why is it you only have to serve one term, and you get a pension? Our tax dollars are being wasted by politicians that have been in office for far to long. They are so far removed from "Normal" life, they forget what it is like to have really work a living. They forget what it takes to make a living and survive on a normal salary. They are out of touch with the people who elected them to office.
03-02-2021
Barbara McFall []
term limits are necessary for all members of congress !
03-02-2021
Vivian Davies []
Public service should not be a career. It takes a strong, ethical person with wisdom and integrity not to fall for the lobbyists with special interests. Each year in Congress weakens politicians'moral fiber to stand firm for the people who employee themus. Each year in congress they get more entitled.
03-02-2021
George Caron [SELF]
I support term limits for Federal Legislators. It is a start, but we will need more than just term limits to reign in the federal government.
03-02-2021
David Pedersen []
I don't believe our founding fathers intended for legislators to serve in perpetuity. Legislators would be more constituent responsive and effective if they knew they had a limited time in which to do their job. What this country does not need, especially at this point in time, are permanent professional politicians.
03-02-2021
James Hamilton [none]
Too many politicians have become rich in their careers during their many years of public service. The original founders of our country did not intend this to happen and it should against the law to profit from being in office. Their are only to ways to counter this from happening term limits or investigate each and every politician during their term in office or after they are out of office.
03-02-2021
Dennis Fey []
It's time to get career politicians out of office. They should also be banned from joining any group that tries to influence congress.
03-02-2021
Stephanie Bundt []
Term limits are a good idea. Our founding fathers did not expect people to hold office forever. It keeps people from making attachments to corporations or other people groups that do not represent the people that sent them to office.
03-02-2021
Michelle Johnson []
Even the president has term limits. Congress has not had an original idea in centuries due to the fact they are old
03-02-2021
Ann Ahearn []
Public service was never intended to be a lifelong career, nor was it intended to make otherwise notsowealthy individuals wealthy from lobbyists. There needs to be term limits for that one reason alone!
03-02-2021
Susan Stevens []
Passed this bill to clean up our swamp in DC. And stupid have a limit on their terms there's no reason anybody should be in Congress for 40 years. If this passes when this passes they should not have any benefits once they leave the office and who needs 15 weeks of vacation . Please for America drain that swamp
03-02-2021
Rose Nolan [Retired]
We need term limits so we don't have to worry about being primaried
03-02-2021
Joel Biggs []
Dear Senators and Representative:As I understand it, the founders of the United States did not expect or plan for the people's federal representatives to become professional fulltime longterm members. It is my belief that the development of longterm, fulltime representatives has evolved over time to the detriment of our democracy. Many other issues, related to the operation of our federal governance system, need to be initiated to regain general public support and trust in this system. A start is the approval of term limits for which I approve. I have been told that it is impossible to get the fox in the hen house to make the changes needed. This is to advise you that if you do not cleanup your houses, the public will, in time, make the changes on their own. Before I retired as the 12 year EMA Coordinator of Coordinator of Clayton County, Iowa I mentioned to a FBI agent that I would not want to be in an enforcement position these days. Being between our politicians and the public was going to become more and more dangerous from what I am hearing from many citizens. As a retired EMA Coordinator, I am advising you now that what the current FBI director had to say on March 2 needs to be seriously taken to heart.Sincerely yours, Joel Biggs, retired EMA Coordinator
03-02-2021
Nancy Condit []
Being a politician was never meant to be a full time job. Nor do I believe it is right for politicians to vote on their own pay and benefits. Politicians were never meant to rule they were meant to serve as representatives of the state that voted them in. Too much power is corruptible especially in the wrong hands. Our forefathers were smart enough to give us a republic lets keep it. We need term limits.
03-02-2021
Deanna O'Neill []
I think it is very important that Congress has term limits. It seems like Congress has forgotten that they work for the American people and not for themselves
03-02-2021
PHILLIP SEVERSON [NONE]
Its a no brainer,the lifers get to the point where thier only concern is getting re elected to the gravy train. the perks they have voted themselveswould make Solamon envies. Will rogers nailed it when he called them the hired help.
03-03-2021
Randy Gillenwater []
i vote for term limits
03-03-2021
Mark Bailey [Mark Bailey]
We need term limits to get corruption out of congress and keep it out and being elected to congress should not be a lifetime position.
03-01-2021
Thomas Schreiber [Windance Farms]
Ladies and Gentlemen:Please consider this message a request to enact term limits for all classes of Politian's. Respectfully,T.C. Schreiber
03-01-2021
Ed Coutu []
Please pass the resolution to limit term limits for the US Congress. Add a grandfather clause so it can get approved.
03-01-2021
george kelley []
Please pass to get new people & ideas! Stop the power hungery corruption of endless incumbancy!
03-01-2021
Bob Heien []
Please support this measure. Congress is broken and has no intention of fixing their gravey train fed by special interest lobbiests. Iowa needs to join the other states that have already passed this legislation to force Congress to limit their terms. The people have had enough career politicians, it's time for new ideas,and less special interest influence on longterm Congress members.
03-01-2021
Jeffrey Smothers []
I am in favor of term limits of all federal legislators.
03-01-2021
Debra Lynn Broughton []
I believe there should be Term Limits for Congress. They have made enough Money off of The American People.I Honestly believe it is Needed.They are all getting Rich off of Us. They are All Millionaires, Pelosi, Mcconnell, Schumer, Grassley.They are taking this Country for a Ride.They all should be Investigated.Congress and the Senate .Things need to CHANGE. Greed is all that matters to them. We as Americans are Suffering with this Pandemic and the People in Congress are Living the life. So WRONG !! But as a Christian I Know That God Will Get Them In The End. Term Limits needed. And Request an Investigation of all !!!!Thank youDebra Lynn BroughtonA True American God Bless Us AllJust Not For Those Who Run It......
03-01-2021
Mike Hadden []
Voters all over the country overwhelmingly are in favor of term limits. It seems to be the one thing to which we all agree. Now that there is no trust in election results, government can begin to regain that trust by implementing term limits. How can some politicians have little assets when first elected but become millionaires? This needs to be done nobody should be voting against this. The people DO want this and its time government begins to work for the people again!
03-01-2021
Jerry Marlow []
I support term limits
03-01-2021
Carl Seltrecht []
Please support SJR11. We need to get rid of the long time congress members. they no longer represent the people who elected them. They are only interested in what is best for themselves and their party.
03-01-2021
Carl Seltrecht []
Please support SJR11. We need to get rid of the long time congress members. they no longer represent the people who elected them. They are only interested in what is best for themselves and their party.
03-01-2021
Marlis DeBoef []
Need term limits not people only to be millionaires and billionaires off the people. Get rid of all long term prying both houses and take away all the concessions they have voted to themselves. Permanent healthcare, loans forgiven to their familys children in schooling . Social security should have all money returned to the program that was taken from it. Senior citizens are always looked over on raising the money to them.
03-01-2021
Stephen Menzner []
I'm in favor of Constitution Convention of States, but I caution that it needs to be predetermined that it will be limited to a select few issues that most Americans would be interested in improving. i.e. we don't want to significantly alter the Constitution. I want to see term limits for Congress and all government employees, no special insurance programs, no protection from being laid off or fired, and no pensions.
03-01-2021
Suzanne Tresnak []
I am in favor of term limits for all congressmen and women. This is not a career and they are not working for those who elected them. This long overdue.
03-01-2021
Wade Lancaster []
This democracy needs to get to Government of the People by the People and for the People.
03-01-2021
Stuart Van Wyk []
We need term limits.
03-01-2021
Bill Luse []
Our country is in grave danger from politicians who have made it a lifetime job! They are more interested in benefits to support their special interests then they are trying to support the American people! We need to make changes so this can not happen in the future!
03-01-2021
Gary Osland []
We absolutely need term limits. No one should be serving well into their 80's and 90's!! Retire and let younger minds take over.
03-01-2021
03-01-2021
Kenn Quinn [U.S. Term Limits]
Dear Chairman Guth and committee members,I have attached my testimony in support of SJR11 for an Article V convention to propose a Congressional Term Limits Amendment. I will provide a few more supporting documents in a separate upload and I would like an opportunity to testify.Sincerely,Kenn Quinn
Attachment
03-01-2021
03-01-2021
03-01-2021