Wisconsin became the latest state to pass a resolution calling for an Article V convention of states on Tuesday, with the goal of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution that would limit the power of the federal government.
Passed by the Wisconsin Assembly last year, the resolution was approved by the Senate in a 17-16 vote, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition. According to the measure, Wisconsin’s legislature seeks to call a convention of states “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States 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.”
As written in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, state legislatures are provided the power to call a convention to propose amendments to the nation’s founding document without the approval of Congress. Under the current process, two-thirds of states are required for a convention to be called, with three-fourths of states necessary for any amendment proposed to be ratified.
“Times like these are precisely why the Founders created the mechanisms in Article V,” said state Rep. Dan Knodl. “Federal overreach has thrown our country into chaos, and it’s time for the states to exercise their authority as granted to them in the constitution to restore order, states’ rights, and limited, constitutional government. I’m incredibly proud that our state has officially thrown its support behind this movement.”
State Sen. Kathy Bernier also expressed her excitement at the resolution’s passage, noting how thankful she is that the Constitution provides “the states and the people a framework to step in and save the Republic when Congress will not.”
“Today we sent a message that Wisconsin stands ready to rein in federal overreach,” she said.
In addition to Wisconsin, 15 other states have also passed similar resolutions calling for a convention to address federal term limits, spending, and governmental overreach.
