If H7055 were to pass and lead to a constitutional amendment, there could be significant implications for state and federal laws. The amendment would require that all legislation applies equally to lawmakers, fostering a culture of accountability among federal officials. This could alter existing legal frameworks that allow Congressional members to operate under different legal standards, potentially changing how laws are interpreted and enforced.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 7055 (H7055) addresses the perceived inequity in the application of U.S. laws to members of Congress compared to the general populace. It seeks to call a constitutional convention to propose an amendment that mandates laws enacted by Congress to apply equally to all citizens, including U.S. Representatives, Senators, and all members of the federal legislative branch. The principal argument presented is that current exemptions for Congressional members contribute to unfairness and undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding H7055 is mixed, with proponents arguing that it addresses a grave inequity within the legal system that contradicts democratic ideals. Supporters believe that enforcing equal application of laws will enhance trust in government and strengthen citizens' belief in fair treatment. Conversely, detractors may argue that the process for amending the Constitution can be convoluted and that there are existing mechanisms for ensuring legislative accountability without the need for a constitutional convention.
Contention
A notable point of contention relates to the constitutional convention itself. Critics express concerns regarding the risk of an open convention, which could lead to unintended amendments that may affect other aspects of the Constitution. This anxiety about the potential for broader, less controllable changes highlights the stakes involved in the approval and implementation of H7055.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.