We've laid this out before, but it's worth revisiting, so here goes: Congress has broad powers to set the institutional practices of the legislative branch. One of the key aspects that Congress has control over is the length of terms that members serve. This decision can have significant implications for the overall functioning of the government and the representation of the American people.
The Constitution gives Congress significant power to regulate the structure and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court so long as the justices adhere to the Constitution. This includes setting the terms of office for Supreme Court justices, which currently have no term limits. However, the same cannot be said for members of Congress, who are subject to term limits that are set by individual states.
In 1997, the House voted on a congressional term limits amendment, but the tally fell well short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. This highlights the contentious nature of the debate surrounding term limits in Congress. Supporters argue that term limits can bring fresh perspectives and prevent the entrenchment of career politicians, while opponents believe that experienced lawmakers are necessary for effective governance.
The number of congressional members who have died this decade has almost matched the number between 2010 and 2020. This turnover in Congress due to various reasons, including death, retirement, or resignation, underscores the importance of understanding the impact of congressional terms on the political landscape.
Erica Lee Carter, Jackson Lee's daughter, is considered the frontrunner in the contest to represent Texas' 18th Congressional District from her mother. Carter will run against two Republicans for her mother's seat to hold for a few weeks before the winner of the general election takes over. This unique situation raises questions about political dynasties and the transfer of power within families in Congress.
An outspoken progressive, he vigorously opposed President Donald J. Trump and focused on legislation to help “regular Americans pay their bills. This highlights the role that individual members of Congress play in shaping policy and representing the interests of their constituents. The personal ideologies and priorities of lawmakers can have a significant impact on the legislative process.
Party committee members in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties must name a replacement candidate for the 9th Congressional District by Aug. 29. This process of selecting new candidates for congressional seats further emphasizes the importance of the electoral system and the role of political parties in shaping the composition of Congress.
Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a feisty New Jersey Democrat who had been campaigning for his 15th term in Congress, died on Aug. 21 at a hospital. Pascrell's passing serves as a reminder of the transient nature of political office and the need for continuity and stability in governance.
