Urging The Congress Of The United States 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 For Members Of Congress.
Notes
The resolution explicitly states that it creates a continuing application until two-thirds of state legislatures make similar applications on this subject, ensuring continuous engagement on this issue. The proposed amendments will be limited strictly to the specified topics, thereby seeking to ally fears regarding the scope of changes to the Constitution.
Impact
Should this resolution be endorsed and acted upon, it would signify a substantive shift in the relationship between state and federal governments, encouraging other states to consider similar measures. The resolution emphasizes the importance of responsiveness to the needs of citizens and seeks to restore accountability to federal officials who are increasingly seen as disconnected from public sentiment due to their reliance on special interests and lobbyists.
Summary
SCR50 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging Congress to call for a convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution under Article V. The proposed amendments aim to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution reflects a growing sentiment among various state legislatures advocating for greater constraints on federal authority, especially in light of perceived abuses of power at the federal level.
Contention
Key points of contention within the discussions surrounding SCR50 include concerns about the potential for a 'runaway convention,' where unintended and extensive amendments could be proposed that may threaten core constitutional protections, such as those in the Bill of Rights. Moreover, there are apprehensions regarding how this would affect state laws and the balance of powers between state and federal government, specifically about the interpretive authority of Congress in calling and managing such a convention.
Same As
Urging The Congress Of The United States 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 For Members Of Congress.
Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.