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Legislators

Federal Judge Strikes Down State Term Limits Law, Opening Door for Supreme Court Review

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A federal judge in Washington state has ruled that a law limiting terms for U.S. Senators and members of Congress is unconstitutional, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court showdown. The law, which was approved by 52% of state voters in 1992, restricted House members to three terms and Senate members to two. The decision is significant because similar laws have been enacted in 14 other states. House Speaker Tom Foley and the League of Women Voters brought the case to court, arguing that only the U.S. Constitution can set qualifications for federal lawmakers.

Key Takeaways:

  • A federal judge in Washington state has ruled that a state law limiting terms for U.S. Senators and members of Congress is unconstitutional.
  • The law, approved by 52% of state voters in 1992, restricted House members to three terms and Senate members to two.
  • The ruling is expected to go all the way to the Supreme Court, potentially ending the state-by-state tug-of-war on term limits.
  • The Washington state case is one of 15 similar lawsuits pending across the country.
  • House Speaker Tom Foley and the League of Women Voters challenged the law in court, arguing that only the U.S. Constitution can set qualifications for federal lawmakers.
  • Federal Judge William Dwyer agreed, ruling that the law was a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitution.
  • The only way to impose term limits for federal lawmakers, Judge Dwyer said, is through a Constitutional amendment.

Statistics:

  • 52% of Washington state voters approved the term limits law in 1992.
  • 14 other states have enacted similar laws limiting terms for U.S. Senators and members of Congress.
  • 15 similar lawsuits are pending across the country related to term limits.

Sources:

  • "A federal judge in Seattle has thrown out a state law", NPR News (no date)
  • "The term limits law began as a citizen's initiative", NPR News (no date)
  • "In a strongly-worded 38-page decision", NPR News (no date)
  • "Clearly the Constitution in no way prohibits the states", NPR News (no date)

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