Why Record-Low Approval Demands Term Limits
The latest data from Gallup tells a story of a governing body that has almost completely lost the faith of the people it serves. As of 2026, congressional approval has plummeted to a staggering low of 10%, while disapproval has surged to 86%.
This isn’t just a “rough patch” for Washington—it is a systemic failure. For decades, the trend lines have been clear: Americans are increasingly frustrated with a Congress that seems more interested in self-preservation of its members than public service. Yet, despite these abysmal approval ratings, we see a bizarre paradox in our elections.
The 95% Reelection Illusion
You would think that a 10% approval rating would lead to a massive turnover in leadership. Instead, incumbents in Congress enjoy a reelection rate of approximately 95%. This happens because the system is rigged to favor the “permanent political class.” Through gerrymandering, name recognition, and massive war chests, career politicians have effectively insulated themselves from the consequences of their own failure.
Fundraising Over Function
Why is Congress so unproductive? The answer lies in where they spend their energy. It is estimated that members of Congress spend up to 75% of their time fundraising for their next campaign rather than legislating. When three-quarters of your workday is dedicated to dialing for dollars, there is little time left to solve the complex issues facing the nation.
Failure to Perform the Basics
The most damning evidence of this dysfunction is Congress’s inability to perform its most fundamental mandate: passing a budget. Year after year, we see “continuing resolutions” and “omnibus” packages passed at the eleventh hour to avoid government shutdowns (or not). They cannot even agree on the basic finances of the country, yet they continue to draw their salaries and maintain their hold on power.
The Solution: Term Limits
We cannot expect the people who created this broken system to fix it from within. Careerism has turned public service into a lifelong pursuit of power. By implementing term limits, we can:
- Shift the focus from fundraising back to policy.
- Break the 95% incumbency lock and invite fresh perspectives.
- Ensure that representatives return home to live under the laws they passed.
- Assure that Congress reflects its constituency
- Restore faith back into the institution
It is time to end the era of the career politician. If we want a Congress that actually works for us, we need to limit their “Potomac Fever” time in Washington, D.C.
Join to help us restore a citizen legislature. Sign the petition: termlimits.com/petition.
