At the heart of the problem is the growing number of career politicians enmeshed in D.C.’s thriving political class. Unfortunately, many career politicians prioritize the wishes of the well-connected D.C. establishment over the best interests of the people they were elected to serve. Their desire to stay in power also discourages bipartisan cooperation, increasing gridlock and dysfunction.
Thankfully, I believe there is a solution: term limits.
Term limits will help end the cycle of complacency, dysfunction and cowardice plaguing Congress. They will get rid of career politicians and help restore a true citizen-legislature. Elected officials will be empowered to do what’s best for their constituents, instead of catering to the establishment and special interests.
The ongoing government shutdown is further proof that term limits are urgently needed. That is one reason why I have introduced a Constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress and senators.
The truth is the American people have lost faith in their government. And rightly so. It is well past time to end the status quo in D.C. and turn the ship around. Term limits will do just that. They are a common-sense solution that will break the gridlock, end Washington politics-as-usual, and help restore a citizen legislature. It’s time for elected officials to start making a difference, not a career.
Rep. George Holding represents North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
