March has become synonymous with the NCAA basketball tournament. Upset-minded underdogs often threaten to bust the millions of brackets that fans fill out and the dreams of favored teams, who adopt the mantra of "survive and advance" to reach the ultimate goal.
In Kansas, the COS resolution did more than just survive. It advanced with authority as the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 1604 by a simple voice vote on March 18.
This victory came on the heels of impressive testimony before the committee by members of the COS Kansas team and Convention of States Action senior advisor Michael Farris the previous day, all of whom made compelling, airtight arguments in favor of the resolution while also addressing myths and unfounded fears about the topics and function of a limited-purpose Article V convention.
The resolution now moves to the final round -- debate and a vote on the Kansas House floor -- in which the state could become the 20th state to call for an Article V convention to discuss and propose amendments that would reduce the size and scope of the federal government.
The Kansas Senate made history by approving SCR 1604 by a vote of 29-11 on February 27, meeting the state's constitutional requirement that Article V applications pass with a two-thirds supermajority in each legislative chamber.
Likewise, the resolution must be approved by a two-thirds supermajority of the members of the House of Representatives. While the task is difficult, last month's vote in the Senate demonstrates that it can be done.
Stay tuned to the blog and COS socials for updates about the date and time of the House proceedings that will determine if Kansas moves to bust the federal government's bracket for good.
