As former and current state representatives, we understand that a healthy democracy requires a steady stream of fresh voices. We believe in the principle that power should rest close to the people, who are from all walks of life and who deserve to have their voices heard. This legislative session, we have a golden opportunity to act on that principle.
House Concurrent Resolution 13 (HCR 13) offers our state a historic opportunity. HCR 13 calls for an amendment convention strictly limited to one amendment for term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The resolution has already passed the New Hampshire House State-Federal Relations Committee in a strong bipartisan vote. If passed, New Hampshire would join a growing roster of states calling for term limits in Washington.
Recent government shutdowns and the chronic dysfunction are a glaring reminder of why 84% of New Hampshire voters say they want term limits. Voters want genuine choices at the ballot box but are often left disappointed. With term limits, there will be an assurance of regular open seat elections, which means more voices can emerge and compete for votes. This contributes to a refreshed and more dynamic democratic process. This in turn would lead to bold action to tackle the issues we face today.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander recently acknowledged the need for term limits — not only for Congress but also for the U.S. Supreme Court. As she posted on X on Feb. 9, “Fresh perspectives matter. When power goes unchecked for too long, accountability erodes and dysfunction takes over. Real reform means changing the rules, so our democracy works for the people, not entrenched power.”
She speaks an obvious truth: the system is overdue for reform. She’s joined by others like Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who have both come out swinging for the cause. But they need our help in the states to prod enough of their colleagues into joining them.
HCR 13 is clear and limited. It calls for an amendment for one purpose only: congressional term limits. Nothing more. The application is narrowly tailored, and any proposed amendment would require ratification by 38 states. This is a high bar that ensures only the most broadly supported consensus reforms become law.
Not only that, but HCR 13 follows in the footsteps of other single-topic amendment convention calls in American history: whenever the states come close to convening to propose an agreed upon amendment, Congress invariably intercepts the process and proposes the amendment themselves. The movement originating with the state legislatures terminating in congressional action, because ultimately Congress will be compelled to jealously retain control over proposing rather than let the states do it for them.
The institution of Congress has been severely damaged by the calcification of power by longtime incumbents and the special interest groups who fund them. Incumbents routinely benefit from massive fundraising leverage, committee seniority and media access. Without the sense of urgency that a ticking clock would provide, the results are dismal. We see endless gridlock, political theater and a membership that too often forgets the very voters who sent them to Congress.
It’s clearly time that we the people hold those we send to Congress accountable by means of a term limits amendment.
HCR 13 deserves the full support of the New Hampshire General Court. By passing this resolution, New Hampshire can send a clear message: the people deserve better and more responsive government, and term limits will help make that a reality.
Linda Massimilla is the New Hampshire State Co-Chair for U.S. Term Limits, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for term limits. Rep. Lily Foss represents Manchester.