In a time when our nation seems more divided than ever, there’s one issue that unites Georgians from the mountains to the coast, from Republicans to Democrats to independents: congressional term limits. Polls consistently show that more than 80% of Americans support the idea, and Georgia is no exception. Whether you live in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, or anywhere in between, the feeling is the same—Congress needs new faces, fresh ideas, and real accountability.
Right now, the U.S. Congress is one of the few institutions in America with no term limits. While Georgia limits our governor to two terms to prevent one person from holding too much power for too long, Washington politicians can—and often do—stay in office for decades. Over time, many become more loyal to party leaders and special interests than to the people they were elected to serve.
The result is a Congress that is too often unresponsive, slow to solve problems, and quick to engage in partisan brinkmanship. Georgians—no matter their political affiliation—are frustrated with a system where incumbents rarely face serious challenges and where the incentive is to win the next election rather than deliver results.
That’s why the Georgia General Assembly should pass the U.S. Term Limits resolution calling for an Article V Convention limited solely to drafting an amendment for congressional term limits. Under Article V of the Constitution, the states have the power to propose amendments when Congress refuses to act. Once 34 states pass matching resolutions, the convention can be called—but the subject is locked to congressional term limits only. And any proposed amendment must still be ratified by 38 states, ensuring broad bipartisan agreement before it becomes law.
Passing this resolution isn’t about right or left—it’s about right and wrong. It’s about putting Georgians back in charge of the people they send to Washington. Term limits ensure that no one can treat congressional office as a lifetime entitlement. They guarantee a steady flow of new leaders—people grounded in their communities—who can bring Georgia’s priorities and values to the national stage.
Without term limits, the odds are stacked against challengers. Incumbents enjoy name recognition, taxpayer-funded staff, franking privileges, and millions in special-interest donations. In many Georgia districts, congressional elections are decided before voters even cast their ballots because incumbents run unopposed or face only token competition. That’s not accountability—that’s a closed system.
Term limits would open that system. They would make it possible for veterans, small business owners, farmers, teachers, and civic leaders to serve their country without having to spend years climbing a political ladder. Fresh voices would mean new approaches to Georgia’s challenges—whether it’s strengthening our military bases, protecting agriculture, improving infrastructure, or easing the burden of federal regulation on small businesses.
Critics sometimes argue that term limits would strip Congress of valuable experience. But here in Georgia, we’ve proven that change in leadership doesn’t weaken government—it keeps it healthy. Our state legislature and governor’s office adapt just fine with turnover, and the same would happen in Washington. Besides, much of the so-called “institutional knowledge” in Congress comes not from elected officials, but from career staff and lobbyists who remain in Washington for decades regardless of who holds office.
The push for congressional term limits is already gaining momentum. Florida, Alabama, Missouri, West Virginia, and other states have passed the U.S. Term Limits resolution. If Georgia joins them, we send a powerful message: this is a national movement with support across political lines, and Congress ignores it at its own peril.
This isn’t a partisan battle—it’s a citizen’s demand. Georgians have a long history of leading on reforms that make government more accountable to the people. We’ve stood up for balanced budgets, ethics rules, and commonsense election laws. Term limits fit squarely within that tradition.
Imagine a Congress where your representative is focused on solving problems rather than raising campaign money for the next cycle. Imagine knowing that no matter who holds the seat today, new leaders will have their chance to represent Georgia tomorrow. That’s what term limits can deliver—accountability built into the system.
We can’t wait for Congress to reform itself; history tells us that will never happen. Our founders gave the states the constitutional power to act when Washington refuses. Now it’s up to us to use it. By passing the U.S. Term Limits resolution, Georgia can help lead a national effort to return Congress to the people it serves.
Let’s show the nation that Georgians—of every background, every political belief, and every corner of the state—are united in wanting a government that works for us, not for itself. Let’s send a clear message to Washington: public office is a public trust, not a permanent career.
It’s time for Georgia to lead. It’s time to pass the U.S. Term Limits resolution.
Dr. John Cowan is the Georgia state chair for U.S. Term Limits
