Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.
Impact
If ratified, the proposed amendment could significantly influence federal fiscal policies, potentially curbing government overspending and reinforcing the need for balanced budgets. The resolution highlights a historical backdrop where the national debt has surged significantly since 1979, indicating a perceived failure in Congress to maintain fiscal responsibility. Proponents argue that a dedicated amendment could help restore financial stability, while critics express concerns about the potential for unintended consequences or radical changes to the Constitution.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 15 (HCR15) calls for an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution. This resolution aims to address growing national debt concerns and seeks to ensure fiscal responsibility at the federal level. It emphasizes that this convention would only occur if there is a sufficient number of states (two-thirds) that have not rescinded their applications for such a convention, as outlined by the U.S. Constitution.
Contention
Debate surrounding HCR15 reveals divisions among legislators about the appropriateness and potential risks of calling an Article V Convention. Supporters believe that it is a necessary means to rein in excessive government expenditure and restore accountability, while opponents worry that it could lead to broader amendments that might undermine essential rights or protections. The historic context provided in the resolution serves to frame the urgency of the situation, with advocates citing significant erosion of dollar value and increasing public debt as key motivators for constitutional reform.
Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States.