ATLANTA (January 13, 2014) | Sen. Cecil Staton ( R- Macon) proposed a resolution today calling for a convention of states to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government. The resolution also provides for potential constitutional amendments that would limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government as well as the terms of office for federal officials and members of congress.
“The United States Congress has clearly demonstrated that they are unwilling to control their spending,” said Sen. Staton. “Since Congress refuses to be fiscally responsible on their own, it is time for the states to pass an amendment that ensures the protection of our financial interests.”
Under Article V of the United States Constitution, states are given the power to call for a convention of states. A request for a constitutional amendment may be submitted for consideration if two-thirds of state legislatures submit applications on the same topic.
Once the proposed amendments are debated and passed within their respective state legislatures, they are sent to the remaining 50 states for ratification. Congress must then submit the amendments to either the specially-elected state conventions or state legislatures to achieve final passage. In order for the amendments to be ratified, three quarters of the states must agree on the proposed constitutional amendment.
According to the Citizens for Self Governance, a convention of states needs to be called to ensure that we are able to debate and impose a complete package of restraints on the misuse of power by all branches of the federal government.
Similar resolutions have been introduced over the previous legislative sessions, including a resolution urging the United States Congress to draft a balanced budget amendment.
The resolution will now wait to be assigned to a Senate committee for further debate.
For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028