Briggs’ support of term limits earns recognition
State Sen. Richard Briggs (R-District 7, which includes Farragut) “was honored with a plaque for his support of term limits on Congress,” stated a press release from U.S. Term Limits, “the nation’s oldest and largest pro-term limits group,” which presented the distinction to Briggs at the Capital in Nashville earlier last week.
Aaron Dukette of USTL presented Briggs the “Champion of Term Limits” wood plaque, which reads, “In recognition of a steadfast commitment to restore citizen government through term limits, Briggs has pledged to support House Joint Resolution 8, which passed through the lower chamber in April.
“The convention bill does not set the specific length of term limits; rather, it simply starts a discussion among the states on what the ideal term limits of Congress members should be,” the release stated.
“Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, the states have more power to amend the Constitution than the Congress does. In this situation, Congress would have a conflict of interest to propose term limits on itself. Recognizing this, the Founders assured the states could both propose and ratify amendments without the approval of Congress. HJR8 leverages this power so the states may act in the best interest of the people.”
The measure’s summary reads, “House Joint Resolution 8 applies to the United States Congress for a Convention of the States to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress.”
Briggs is in good company within the General Assembly, as 53 state representatives voted to approve HJR8. “These representatives realize that an overwhelming majority of their constituents want term limits on Congress,” the release stated.
