H.J.Res. 26House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to increase the term of service of Members of the House of Representatives from 2 years to 4 years.

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Updated April 14, 2026 at 12:14 AM UTC

H.J.Res. 26 proposes a constitutional amendment that would double the length of a U.S. House of Representatives member’s term from two years to four years. If ratified by three‑quarters of the states, the change would take effect for the first regular House election that occurs after ratification in a year without a presidential election. The amendment would affect all future House members and the timing of House elections nationwide.

Key Provisions

Changes the House term of office from two years to four years.
Specifies that the new four‑year term applies to the first regularly scheduled House election after the amendment is ratified, provided that election occurs in a non‑presidential election year.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

January 11, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 11, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

January 11, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

January 11, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 11, 2019

116th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. J. RES. 26

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 11, 2019

Mr. Marino submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to increase the term of service of Members of the House of Representatives from 2 years to 4 years.

That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

—

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every fourth year by the people of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature.

This article shall first apply to the first regularly scheduled general election of Representatives which occurs after ratification during a year in which there is no election for President and Vice President.