Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR106

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would stance Pennsylvania among states advocating for significant changes at the federal level regarding budgetary practices and the limits of government authority. The application for a Convention is designed to allow states to propose amendments independently, aiming to protect state sovereignty and ensure that the federal authorities operate within a proper interpretation of the Constitution. The language of the resolution suggests a broader movement among several states to seek greater control over federal powers, mirroring similar legislative efforts across the country.

Summary

House Resolution 106 is a concurrent resolution from the Pennsylvania General Assembly petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention under Article V of the Constitution. The aim is to propose amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and restrict the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress. This resolution highlights concerns about the federal government's spending and its encroachment on state regulations and responsibilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR106 seems to pivot on traditional conservative values of limited government and fiscal responsibility. Supporters view the resolution as a necessary measure to regain control over state autonomy, arguing that excessive federal mandates undermine local governance. However, the proposal has faced skepticism from critics who express concern about the implications of convening such a Convention, particularly regarding the potential for unintended consequences, including changes to rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the fear of a 'runaway' Convention, where delegates could propose amendments beyond the intended scope, potentially affecting fundamental rights and existing constitutional protections. There is also debate over whether it is appropriate to allow a Convention to process such significant changes, given the historical context and the risks of political division. The established reservations within the resolution aim to mitigate this risk, specifically stating that no amendments affecting the Bill of Rights may be proposed, yet skepticism remains high among opponents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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.

PA SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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.

PA SCR98

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.

PA HCR80

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.

PA HCR34

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.

PA HJR98

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.

PA SJR54

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.

PA SJR502

Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

PA SJR503

Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

PA HCR0007

A concurrent resolution applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.

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