House Advances Bold Article V Proposal to Cap Congressional Tenures

The Arizona House of Representatives has taken a step towards amending the U.S. Constitution by voting for a convention of states aimed at implementing term limits for Congress. The resolution, known as HCR4041, passed with a narrow 31-28 bipartisan vote on Wednesday.

If approved by the Senate, Arizona would join nine other states advocating for an Article V Convention that focuses solely on congressional term limits. This process remains untested, as the U.S. Constitution has never been amended through a convention of states. Traditional amendments require a two-thirds vote in Congress for approval.

House Speaker Steve Montenegro, a Republican from Goodyear, emphasized the need for state legislators to utilize their powers effectively. “We cannot be afraid to use it,” he remarked.

This measure has been introduced multiple times in previous sessions, but it failed last year. The current movement is notable as it has successfully moved to the Senate for consideration for the first time.

Despite support for term limits, skepticism persists among some lawmakers regarding the potential risks associated with a convention of states. Representative Joe Chaplik, a Republican from Scottsdale, questioned whether term limits would address deeper issues such as corruption and lobbying in Congress.

Concerns also revolve around the unpredictability involved in a convention. Rep. Rachel Keshel, a Republican from Tucson, expressed a desire for safeguards. “There are too many risks of calling a convention of states,” she stated.

Another opponent, Rep. Khyl Powell of Gilbert, expressed fears over potential threats to personal liberties, noting that granting “absolute power” could have dire consequences.

To initiate a convention, two-thirds of the state legislatures, or 34 states, must call for it. The U.S. House of Representatives has recorded over 160 applications for such conventions on various topics. Arizona previously attempted similar conventions in 2017 regarding federal spending and congressional term limits but is currently focusing on just the latter.

Rep. Justin Wilmeth of Phoenix, a supporter of the measure, expressed hope that a convention would not be needed, arguing that Congress might enact term limits independently before reaching the threshold for a convention.

All proposed amendments resulting from a convention must still be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Supporters of the current measure argue this requirement offers some assurance against the risk of wide-ranging constitutional changes.

The push for term limits is backed by U.S. Term Limits, an organization advocating similar measures nationwide. However, allegations of intimidation tactics against legislators have surfaced. Keshel and Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, both reported feeling pressured by U.S. Term Limits in their decision-making processes.

As the debate unfolds, the fate of HCR4041 now rests in the Arizona Senate, where further discussion and consideration will determine the path forward for term limits on congressional members.