‘Last line of defense’: COS proponents deliver masterful testimony in the Granite State

The New Hampshire House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee heard nearly two hours of public testimony on House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 3, calling for an Article V convention, on Friday. Prime Sponsor Representative JD Bernardy and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum led a red-hot team of COS activists in support of the bill.

“You, as state legislators, are our nation’s last line of defense against an all-powerful, overreaching, federal government,” Bernardy reminded his colleagues. “The Framers preserved this task for you as your birthright. You are enabled to reclaim the people’s power.”

Convention of States Senior Advisor Santorum issued a fiery call of action to legislators to dismiss fear, embrace their responsibility as a bastion against federal tyranny, and lead the way to history’s first-ever Article V convention.

“Every four months, we’re adding a trillion dollars to the national debt,” he said. “I just ask any of you — and I don’t care what side of the aisle you’re on — if we continue this, are we not headed to a fiscal crisis, and do you see either party doing anything in Washington, D.C. to stop the accumulation of debt and to stop the collapse of our financial system?”

At least one representative revealed he was “swayed” by Santorum’s passionate dialogue. “It may have been his best presentation yet,” reacted Convention of States Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters.

Following these speeches, the committee heard a rapid-fire series of testimonies for and against the resolution.

“Do we take an oath to our Constitution with everything in it,” asked one veteran supporter, “or do we just pick and choose what amendments we support?”

The committee eventually adjourned without voting but is expected to revisit the measure, which must pass to advance to the full House for consideration, on February 7. If the House and Senate approve the resolution, New Hampshire will join the 19 other states that have already endorsed the Convention of States movement.

We applaud the Granite State team its masterful performance and look forward to watching future progress soon.

Watch the full hearing below!