In a move that echoes the sentiments of many Hoosiers, a resolution aiming to set term limits for members of the U.S. Congress is now on its way to the governor's desk. The proposal, spearheaded by State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport), seeks to launch a process for amending the U.S. Constitution, a measure that, according to a 2025 survey by U.S. Term Limits, is overwhelmingly backed by 84% of voters in Indiana.
"Term limits for federal lawmakers has been a long-running conversation," said Commons, as reported by the Indiana House Republicans' press release. The legislator emphasized the desire to "ensure these elected officials are working in the best interest of Hoosiers and not just for themselves." The proposed Senate Joint Resolution 21 would call for an Article V convention, the constitutional pathway to possibly amend term limits into existence for Congressional representatives.
As it stands, Indiana has joined a contingent of states pushing similar agendas, becoming one of the 11 states to pass legislation favoring term limits in 2025. This effort is part of a broader movement which requires a total of 34 states to eventually initiate an Article V convention. Once convened, if an amendment is proposed, it will still need to be ratified by 38 states before it could be etched into the Constitutional fabric of the land.
The push to limit Congressional terms is complex. It requires an Article V convention, a rarely used and debated process. However, strong public support shows a desire for new leaders in Congress instead of career politicians.
