The following was written by Chris Dunker and originally published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Failing to break a legislative filibuster two years ago, Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings is reviving a call for Nebraska to join a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
His resolution (LR7) would see Nebraska join 12 states that have already called for a convention, identical to a resolution brought by then-Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete in 2017.
"Years of abuse and overreach by the judiciary, legislative and executive branch of the federal government have obliterated the enumerated powers established by our founders," Halloran said at a news conference Wednesday, and "made a mockery of our 10th Amendment" that states any powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.
Halloran's proposal would limit the convention 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."
A corresponding bill Halloran plans to introduce would impose guidelines for Nebraska's delegates to a proposed convention. Last year, similar proposals fell two votes short of gaining first-round approval in the full Legislature.
David McPhillips, a volunteer district captain for the Convention of the States Project from his home in David City, said despite adding $1.4 trillion to the national debt, and an 18 percent approval rating, nine out of 10 incumbents won another term in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in November.
"I've come to the conclusion that electing officials and sending them to Washington, D.C., with an open checkbook and without permanent structures in place to limit their spending is just not working," McPhillips said.
Halloran said frustrated citizens — some 3 million across the country— are leading the call for a convention of the states as authorized by Article V of the U.S. Constitution. About 40 gathered in the Rotunda on Wednesday.
"This project is funded by thousands of everyday patriots who have committed their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to protecting liberty for future generations," Halloran said.
Want to get involved in your state? Sign the Convention of States Petition below to show your state legislators that you support our resolution!
