Kendall County Times

Veteran state Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) has thrown his support behind a plan that would enact term limits on U.S. members of Congress.

Oberweis, who recently launched his challenge to first-term U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) in the 14th District, made his support officials by signing off on a U.S. Term Limits (USTL) pledge.

“... (It) shows that there are individuals who are willing to put self-interest aside to follow the will of the people,” USTL President Phillip Blumel said in a press release. “America needs a Congress that will be served by citizen legislators, not career politicians.”

The amendment pledge states: “I pledge that as a member of Congress, I will co-sponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment of three House terms and two Senate terms and no longer limit.” The USTL amendment is put before every candidate announcing a run for public office.

Blumel insists the need for such legislation is clear.

“America is in trouble,” he said in the release. “Our career politicians have let the people down. It is time to return control of our nation to the people. It is time for a constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms.”

A recent McLaughlin & Associates poll found that more than 4 in 5 voters now approve of a constitutional amendment that will place term limits on members of Congress. For such legislation to become law, a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate, and ratification by 38 of the 50 states is required.

Oberweis, who has served in the 25th District since 2013, is part of a crowded Republican primary field that includes state Sen. Sue Rezin (Morris), state Rep. Allen Skilicorn (East Dundee) and former Kendall County Republican chairman James Marter.