Statutory Term Limits on Congressional Pay and Power Act

Jun 9, 2026

Summary

Prevents members of Congress from getting paid or holding leadership roles after serving for 12 years in either the House or the Senate.

What problem does this solve?

Long-serving members of Congress can hold too much power, making it hard for new people and ideas to gain influence. This bill stops pay and bars members from leadership positions after 12 years of service to encourage turnover.

What does this bill do?

Eliminates congressional pay after 12 years of service

Stops any salary payments to a Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner after they have served for 12 cumulative years in their respective chamber.

Bars long-serving members from leadership roles

Prevents members with 12 or more years of service from serving as a committee chair, ranking minority member, or in other defined House or Senate leadership positions.

Defines what counts as a leadership position

Specifies that leadership roles include heads of House Leadership Offices and key Senate positions like President pro Tempore, Majority/Minority Leader, and Whip.

Applies to the 121st Congress and beyond

States that these new rules will take effect starting with the One Hundred Twenty-First Congress.

Who does this affect?

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
Members of the U.S. Senate

What is the real world impact?

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Effectively creates term limits through financial pressure

By stopping a member's pay after 12 years, the bill creates a strong financial incentive to retire, acting as a de facto term limit without a constitutional amendment.

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Promotes new leadership in Congress

Encourages turnover in powerful committee and leadership positions by setting a 12-year limit, allowing newer members to have more influence.

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Reduces the power of career politicians

Aims to prevent individual members from accumulating too much power over many years, making Congress more responsive to voters.

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Could remove experienced leaders

Critics might argue that forcing out experienced members from leadership could lead to a loss of valuable knowledge and skill, potentially making Congress less effective.

When does this start?

If passed, these rules would begin with the 121st Congress.