Just days after ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the top leadership position, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) signaled he’d be willing to raise the threshold for a future motion to vacate — but only if Republicans agree to vote on a number of political reforms.

Have we entered the twilight zone?

  • @clearedtolandEnglish
    11•1 year ago

    I’m neither a lawyer nor scholar but that wouldn’t seem to preclude term limits or explicitly establish lifetime appointments.

    • @Evilcoleslaw
      3•1 year ago

      Justices hold it during good behavior, not time limited per the Constitution.

      As for members of Congress, a term limit would essentially be adding another qualification to those required by the Constitution.

      The Constitutional requirements to be a Representative are:

      • at least 25 years of age; (Article I section 2)
      • a citizen of the United States for at least seven years prior to being elected; (Article I section 2)
      • a resident of the state he or she is chosen to represent; (Article I section 2)
      • not having taken part in insurrection or rebellion after taking an oath of federal or state office(14th Amendment)

      Term limits would add on another restriction, disqualifying those who’d already served the term. Thus, unconstitutional.

      • Nougat
        1•1 year ago

        Which is why setting term limits on the office of President required - wait for it - the 22nd Amendment.

        • @Evilcoleslaw
          1•1 year ago

          Yeah, but they’re talking about doing these reforms through regular legislation. I don’t think any of them have proposed constitutional amendments to try.

          • Nougat
            2•1 year ago

            Oh sorry - it may have appeared that I was being snarky towards you. That was not my intent, you are absolutely right. I’m just aggravated by the number of people who think you can “just do things” when you can’t.