Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR106

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would stance Pennsylvania among states advocating for significant changes at the federal level regarding budgetary practices and the limits of government authority. The application for a Convention is designed to allow states to propose amendments independently, aiming to protect state sovereignty and ensure that the federal authorities operate within a proper interpretation of the Constitution. The language of the resolution suggests a broader movement among several states to seek greater control over federal powers, mirroring similar legislative efforts across the country.

Summary

House Resolution 106 is a concurrent resolution from the Pennsylvania General Assembly petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention under Article V of the Constitution. The aim is to propose amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and restrict the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress. This resolution highlights concerns about the federal government's spending and its encroachment on state regulations and responsibilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR106 seems to pivot on traditional conservative values of limited government and fiscal responsibility. Supporters view the resolution as a necessary measure to regain control over state autonomy, arguing that excessive federal mandates undermine local governance. However, the proposal has faced skepticism from critics who express concern about the implications of convening such a Convention, particularly regarding the potential for unintended consequences, including changes to rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the fear of a 'runaway' Convention, where delegates could propose amendments beyond the intended scope, potentially affecting fundamental rights and existing constitutional protections. There is also debate over whether it is appropriate to allow a Convention to process such significant changes, given the historical context and the risks of political division. The established reservations within the resolution aim to mitigate this risk, specifically stating that no amendments affecting the Bill of Rights may be proposed, yet skepticism remains high among opponents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA SR77

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA HR12

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA SR1

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA SCR50

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA SR45

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA HR66

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA HCR64

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

PA SCR6

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments 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.

Similar Bills

PA SR77

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments 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.

PA HR439

Urging the Congress of the United States to continue its support of Taiwan and commemorating the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

PA HR166

Urging the Congress of the United States to continue its support of Taiwan and recognizing the friendship between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Taiwan.

PA HR338

Supporting the concerns raised by Texas Governor Greg Abbott relating to the Federal Government's failure to enforce immigration laws and protect the states, and urging the Federal Government to fulfill its duty under Article IV, section 4 of the Constitution of the United States to protect each state against invasion.

PA HB1456

Adding appropriations to the Executive Offices, the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services and further providing for Supreme Court.

PA HR183

A Concurrent Resolution calling for a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States to consider amendments that limit the number of terms that members of Congress may serve and establish and limit the terms of office for United States Supreme Court Justices.