HJR 22 is a joint resolution urging Congress to propose a U.S. constitutional amendment that would impose term limits on members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. It also formally asks Congress to call a constitutional convention of the states, limited to the single subject of congressional term limits, if Congress does not act on its own. The resolution frames term limits as a way to restore “rotation in office” and reflects the Legislature’s view that Alaska voters strongly support limiting congressional tenure.
The resolution does not change Alaska state law directly. Instead, it is an Article V application and a policy statement directed to Congress and other states, seeking to add Alaska to the group of states calling for a convention on this issue. It specifies that the application should be aggregated only with other states’ applications on the same subject and treated as a continuing application until the two-thirds threshold is reached. The resolution also directs copies to federal and state legislative leaders and Alaska’s congressional delegation.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive of term limits and skeptical that Congress will act without pressure from the states. The bill’s findings emphasize state authority under the U.S. Constitution and describe a constitutional convention as leverage to force congressional action. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, the available record shows no documented opposition or debate in the materials supplied.
The main point of contention inherent in the resolution is the use of a constitutional convention under Article V, which is often debated because of concerns about the scope and risks of such a convention. The resolution attempts to address that concern by limiting the convention to a single subject—term limits—and by stating that the application should not be aggregated with applications on other subjects. Supporters are likely to favor the measure as a way to curb career politicians, while critics may object to the convention mechanism itself or question whether term limits would reduce institutional experience in Congress.
Impact
If adopted, HJR 22 would not amend Alaska statutes or the state constitution; rather, it would place Alaska on record as formally applying to Congress for an Article V convention limited to proposing a federal constitutional amendment on congressional term limits. Its practical effect would be to add Alaska’s support to a national effort to reach the two-thirds-of-states threshold needed to trigger a convention, and to signal to Congress that Alaska wants a term-limits amendment sent to the states for ratification.
Sentiment
The bill text reflects a strongly pro-term-limits sentiment and a belief that voters favor restricting congressional tenure. The resolution is framed as a reform measure aimed at accountability and rotation in office, and it expresses frustration that Congress may not act without state pressure. No committee testimony or vote record was provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or bipartisan support beyond the resolution’s own language.
Contention
The central controversy is not Alaska policy implementation but the constitutional strategy: whether states should use an Article V convention to pursue a term-limits amendment. Supporters view the convention as a necessary tool to compel congressional action, while opponents may worry about the precedent and unpredictability of a convention, even one described as limited to a single subject. Another likely point of debate is the substance of term limits themselves, with supporters arguing they prevent entrenched incumbency and critics arguing they can reduce expertise and voter choice.
A joint resolution calling for an Article V convention in order to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and limit the number of terms that a person may serve in Congress or as a federal official.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.
Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.