By John Eichelberger and Andy Dinniman, 
Pennsylvania state co-chairs, U.S. term limits

Across Pennsylvania—from the farms of Lancaster County to the steel towns of Pittsburgh—one sentiment rings clear: Americans have lost faith in Washington. It’s not hard to see why. Congress has become a symbol of gridlock, partisanship, and self-interest. Decade after decade, the same faces return to Capitol Hill, while the problems that matter most to everyday citizens remain unsolved.

If we want to restore trust in our democracy, we need to start with the reform that unites nearly everyone, regardless of party: congressional term limits.

Pennsylvanians take pride in being plainspoken, hard-working, and pragmatic. We expect results, not excuses. Yet in Washington, career politicians spend more time securing their next election than solving problems. Public service has become a profession rather than a calling. Many enter office with the intent to serve the people—but after decades of re-election campaigns, they end up serving the system.

This culture of careerism erodes faith in government. When voters see Congress members staying in power for 30 or 40 years, collecting perks and pensions while the country struggles, it’s easy to become cynical. And cynicism, over time, becomes disengagement—the slow death of democracy.

Term limits would change that dynamic instantly. They would remind every elected official that leadership is temporary and that the seat they hold belongs to the people, not to them.

Pennsylvania has always been a cradle of democratic innovation. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where Benjamin Franklin warned that America would remain a republic “if you can keep it.” That same spirit of accountability and civic duty is woven into our state’s DNA.

Throughout our history, Pennsylvanians have demanded reforms to keep government honest and close to the people—from the early anti-corruption drives of the Progressive Era to bipartisan efforts for campaign finance transparency. Term limits are a continuation of that legacy.

Trust in Congress hovers at historic lows—often below 20 percent. That’s a dangerous place for a democracy to be. A government can only function when its citizens believe in its legitimacy. The longer politicians stay in office, the more insulated they become from real life, and the more voters tune out.

Term limits would help reverse that trend. They would send a powerful signal that Washington understands the frustration of the American people and is ready to put principles over privilege. By ensuring regular turnover, we bring accountability back to the system.

Pennsylvania voters understand this intuitively. Polling shows that more than 80% of Americans support term limits, including overwhelming majorities in both parties. It’s one of the few reforms that unites conservatives, moderates, and progressives alike. That kind of unity is rare—and exactly what our country needs.

Of course, we can’t expect Congress to limit its own power. That’s why states like Pennsylvania must lead. Through an Article V Convention limited to proposing term limits, states can bypass Washington’s gridlock and return control to the people.

Already, momentum is building nationwide. Legislators across party lines in several states have introduced and advanced resolutions calling for such a convention. Pennsylvanians can be part of this historic movement by urging our General Assembly to pass a resolution supporting congressional term limits.

It’s not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue—it’s a democracy issue.

Our founders never intended for public office to be a lifetime appointment. They envisioned citizen legislators who would serve for a time, contribute their talents, and then return to private life. That model worked for generations—and it can work again.

By passing congressional term limits, we can break the cycle of stagnation, restore accountability, and renew faith in our institutions. We can remind Americans that democracy still belongs to them, not to an entrenched political class.

Pennsylvania has always been where the American story begins. Let’s make sure it’s also where the renewal of American democracy begins—by standing together to demand term limits for Congress.