The House of Representatives would work a lot better if lawmakers weren’t forced to run for re-election every two years, according to Rep. Tom Marino.
Setting four-year terms would let members buckle down and do the work they haven’t done in years — like passing individual appropriations bills on time.
Marino, R-Pa., said that under the current system, House lawmakers have to start raising money and campaigning for the next election almost as soon as they arrive.
“While I am a strict believer in mandated term limits for members of Congress, I believe the American people would benefit from their representatives serving four-year terms,” he said Friday.
“Having served in Congress for the last eight years, I have seen what works and what contributes to the dysfunction that often gets associated with this institution,” said Marino, 66, a former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “By enabling members to serve longer terms, we can break the cycle of constant campaigning and focus more on issues that are important to our constituents.”
One problem with his idea is how difficult it would be to change the rules. The Constitution specifies that House members serve two-year terms, and amending it would likely require a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
The same Constitution says senators serve six-year terms.
Marino also anticipates another problem: that voters will see his idea as a gift to lawmakers that locks them into their jobs for twice as long before they are held accountable by voters. But Marino said reducing the campaign burden would let members focus on issues instead of cable news, speeches, and endless fundraisers.
“While some may dismiss this resolution as more job security for members of Congress, this effort is geared towards the sanctity of the legislative process and delivering for constituents,” he said.
Marino, who was elected in 2010 and was re-elected in November with more than 70 percent of the vote, has proposed other bills this year aimed at making sure the House operates “for the people, by the people.”
One of those bills would amend the Constitution to require that all bills enacted by Congress deal with just one subject at a time. “Today’s legislation becomes so bogged down with added amendments and agendas that the original intent of the bill is often lost entirely,” he said.
Another of his bills would impose term limits — amending the Constitution to cap the time lawmakers can serve in the House and Senate to a dozen years. It is a commitment he has made regardless of whether Congress considers his idea.
“As I’ve committed to since first coming to Congress, I will serve 12 years and then let new blood and ideas take the reins,” he said Friday.
