To repeal the 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Impact
If adopted, HCR9 would initiate a significant change in how senators are elected at the federal level, restoring the system that was in place prior to the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment. Advocates for the bill assert that this change will reinforce states' rights and give local governments more control over their representation in Congress. They argue that direct election by the popular vote has led to senators being more beholden to special interest groups rather than their respective state legislatures, thus diluting local control and accountability.
Summary
HCR9 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced with the aim of urging Congress to call a convention of the states, specifically to propose the repeal of the Seventeenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment mandates the popular election of U.S. Senators, and the resolution seeks to revert back to the previous method of senators being elected by state legislatures. The bill aims to address concerns about the power dynamics in federal elections and promote a legislative tactic that many proponents believe could empower state rights and reduce federal influence.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR9 is largely divided along party lines, with proponents primarily from Republican circles advocating for the bill as a means of restoring constitutional integrity and enhancing states' powers. However, critics, predominantly from Democratic contingents, view the resolution as an attempt to undermine democratic processes, arguing that popular elections offer a more direct form of representation for the citizens of each state. This divergence emphasizes the ongoing national debate about the balance of power between state and federal governments.
Contention
The most notable points of contention revolve around the implications of reverting to state legislature-appointed senators. Opponents of the resolution argue that such a change could disenfranchise voters who prefer to have a direct say in their electoral representatives and might lead to more elite-driven politics. Proponents counter that this measure will encourage senators to prioritize the needs of their home states and reduce dependency on campaign financing that comes from national interests. The debate encapsulates larger themes of democratic governance and the ongoing struggle over the interpretation of constitutional rights.
Urging Congress call a convention of the states, under the authority reserved to the states in Article V of the United States Constitution, limited to proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the United States to create fiscal responsibility by and within the federal government.
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.
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.
Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.
Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.