The Missouri Senate yesterday passed SCR4, the Convention of States resolution, on a 26 to 7 vote. The Congress can learn something from Senator Mike Kehoe (SD-06), who, as the legislation's primary sponsor, was instrumental in leading the charge this year.
SCR4 calls for an Article V Convention of States for the purpose of proposing constitutional amendments that limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints on Congress, and set term limits for federal officials, such as judges. The next step for Missouri is to hear the Convention of States legislation in the House led by Representative Keith Frederick (HD-121).
“The American people are growing weary of a federal government that is operating outside of its Constitutional bounds,” said Keith Carmichael, Missouri State Director for the Convention of States Project. “Neither party represents the people, but rather outside influences that help them get re-elected, so by calling a Convention of States under Article V, the states can recalibrate the balance between the federal government and return power back to the people—not to mention that a convention of this magnitude would be the biggest civics lesson of our lifetime.”
A number of major public figures have endorsed the Convention of States option in recent months. Among them are Marco Rubio, Mark Levin, Senator Tom Coburn, Sean Hannity, Governor Mike Huckabee, Governor Sarah Palin, Governor Bobby Jindal, Governor Greg Abbott, and Thomas Sowell. Under Article V, two-thirds of the states must pass a resolution applying for a convention; once called, three-fourths of the states must ratify any proposed amendment to the Constitution.
