Senator Mitch McConnell’s Absence Reignites Push for Congressional Term Limits

With Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) now absent from Congress for over 60 days, the question of whether or not lawmakers should face term limits is still top of mind for lawmakers and Americans.

Although a president faces a two-term limit, there is nothing in the Constitution that bars members of Congress from serving for a certain amount of time. Now, several health-related issues have prevented members from being on Capitol Hill to do their job.

During a press conference earlier this week, President Donald Trump told reporters that he was “okay” with term limits and sees its costs and benefits.

“I've seen where people go in, and they get termed out, and they’re very talented and they’re at the height of their career,” Trump said. “And you end up with total rookies in there, and nothing gets done.”

Trump said he has also seen when lawmakers grow too old to serve in their full capacity, which Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) has already pitched a solution for with his Statutory Term Limits on Congressional Pay & Power Act.

“I’ve got a statutory term limits bill that would ban leadership positions and pay after 12 years in office,” Rep. Roy said.

This bill would bar members of Congress from holding leadership positions or receiving congressional pay after 12 years in office.

“No constitutional amendment required… much easier vote,” the Texas lawmaker said.

This year, Congress has seen multiple lawmakers take prolonged absences without vacating their positions. Sen. McConnell, 84, is still recovering from a fall he suffered in June and was recently discharged from a rehabilitation facility after weeks of public speculation about his health.

In June, Representative Tom Kean (R-NJ) returned to Washington, D.C., after being absent for nearly four months with no explanation. He later shared that he was being treated for depression.

As a result, Trump said term limits are “very popular” with the public, but the public is not who would vote on such a measure.

"Remember, the people that have to pass them are the people that are gonna be voting on them to get out of office, so it's a little bit tough,” Trump said.