News Release

Sen. Jon Ford

INDIANAPOLIS — Terre Haute State Sen. Jon Ford (R-38) has introduced a resolution applying to participate in a single-topic convention to propose a congressional term limits amendment. Senate Joint Resolution 16 will also be sponsored in the Indiana House by U.S. Rep. Chris Jeter (R-88).

The resolution invokes Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Through it, 34 state legislatures can agree to meet at a convention to propose a congressional term limits amendment. Once they agree on the language of the amendment and present the proposal to the 50 states for ratification, it would have to be approved by 38 states in order to be written into the Constitution. The Term Limits Convention initiative is being spearheaded by the nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy group U.S. Term Limits.

“The intention for our government was for citizens to actively participate in the democratic process,” said Philip Blumel, USTL president. “Unfortunately, career politicians in Congress have eroded that principle. Term limits will help ensure that public service is just that — a service to the public, not a career of self-interest.”

Blumel continued, “It’s time for Congress to be accountable to the people they represent. Term limits will help restore trust in our government and ensure that power is returned to the hands of the citizens.”

U.S. Rep. Chris Jeter

Congressional term limits is wildly popular across the nation. It receives 87% support from Republicans, 83% support from Democrats and 75% support from Independents nationwide, according to the most recent national poll by Scott Rasmussen.

U.S. Term Limits State Chair Micah Beckwith, adds “It’s my sincere hope and prayer that Congress will move forward with term limit legislation. Without term limits, lifelong career politicians will continue to use the system for their selfish gain. Term limits will be an effective mechanism to ensure that Washington will always work for the people and not the other way around.”

The resolution is currently under review by the State Rules Committee. If passed in both chambers, Indiana would become the latest state to join the growing movement for a convention to propose a congressional term limits amendment.

SJR16 will put Washington, D.C. on notice that Indiana intends to join other states in calling for a convention for the exclusive purpose of proposing term limits on the U.S. Congress.