In a historic opportunity to curb federal spending, power, and terms of office, the Idaho House of Representatives debated and voted on House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 10, the COS application for an Article V convention, on Wednesday. Unfortunately, a sea of opposition drowned out the voices of reason, logic, and fact-based support for COS.
Standing against the myths and fears, proponent legislators urged opponents to act decisively to address federal overreach and circumvent impending financial collapse.
“This should be an easy vote — to tell the federal government that enough is enough and to stand up and fight back,” Rep. Josh Tanner adjured.
While detractors cited fears about tampering with the Constitution (“Are you willing to give up any of your First Amendment rights?” one lawmaker asked), COS champions reminded them that Article V is internal to the Constitution and that the federal government is already running roughshod over the Constitution.
“We have a process problem — the process problem that exists is the way that the federal government is functioning,” said Rep. Joe Alfieri. “It’s the states’ right to define what the federal government does. We have to take that right back.”
Much to the chagrin of the nearly 29,000 Idahoans who have signed the COS petition, the House ultimately ignored this sound logic.
“It’s apparent that we need massive additional education for those Idaho representatives,” reacted COS Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters. “Our grassroots team will keep working to educate them.”
She called it a “sad day in Idaho and, frankly, an embarrassing day for many in the Idaho House.”
But here’s the good news!
Despite this disappointing setback, the impressive grassroots team in the Gem State will continue to push for calling an Article V convention until they cross the finish line. This certainly won’t be the last the Idaho House hears from us. Far from it!
Onward to victory!
