Summary
- Jake Ryan signs USTL term limit pledge.
- Supports congressional term limit amendment effort.
- Promotes citizen legislators, opposes career politicians.
- Aligns with U.S. Term Limits movement goals.
- Focuses on integrity and transparency for Oregon.
U.S. Term Limits has the support of more than 150 pledge signers in Congress. USTL President Philip Blumel commented on Ryan’s pledge saying,
“Jake’s strong support of term limits shows that there are individuals who are willing to put self-interest aside to follow the will of the people. America needs a Congress that will be served by citizen legislators, not career politicians.”
The U.S. Term Limits amendment pledge is provided to every announced candidate for federal office. It reads,
“I pledge that as a member of Congress, I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit.”
Blumel noted that they have seen a dramatic increase in supporters wanting term limits on Congress. More than 87% of Americans have rejected the career politician model and want to replace it with citizen leadership.
The way to achieve that goal is through congressional term limits.
According to the latest nationwide poll on term limits conducted by Pew Research, term limits enjoy wide bipartisan support. Pew’s analysis states,
“An overwhelming majority of adults (87%) favor limiting the number of terms that members of Congress are allowed to serve. This includes a majority 56% who strongly favor this proposal, just 12% are opposed.”
Blumel concluded,
“America is in trouble. Our career politicians have let the people down. It is time to return control of our nation to the people. It is time for a constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms.”
Resolutions proposing term limits amendments would need to be ratified by 38 states and receive a two-thirds majority in both the house and the senate in order to be included in the U.S. Constitution.
What is the significance of Jake Ryan's pledge on term limits for Oregon voters?
By committing to term limits, Ryan advocates for a Congress made up of citizen legislators rather than career politicians entrenched in long tenures. This aligns with a broader desire among voters for lawmakers who remain connected to everyday concerns and don't become part of a permanent political class.
Many voters are frustrated with perceived lack of political courage, inefficiency, and special interest influence among long-term incumbents. Term limits are seen as a way to inject new ideas and accountability by regularly rotating representatives out of office, preventing political stagnation.
Term limits can open political opportunities for a wider array of candidates, promoting diversity and representation by breaking down entrenched power structures, which is important to Oregon voters who want a more responsive, dynamic government.