Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR77

Introduced
3/15/23  

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 approved, the resolution would set in motion the process of calling a constitutional convention, which has significant implications for the future governance of the country. It seeks to alter federal authority and enhance the powers of state legislatures to limit federal overreach. The introduction of this measure is part of a broader trend among several states expressing frustration with perceived federal overreach and financial mismanagement.

Summary

SR77 is a concurrent resolution that petitions the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution focuses on amendments aimed at imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This bill reflects a desire to readdress the balance of power between state and federal governments, as well as to promote fiscal responsibility at the national level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR77 appears to be largely supportive among the bill's proponents, who argue that it is a necessary corrective measure to existing federal practices that they view as excessive. However, there are concerns among political opponents and some legal scholars regarding the potential risks associated with convening a constitutional convention, including the possibility of unintended changes to the Constitution that could emerge from such a gathering.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears that a convention could lead to fundamental alterations in rights or protections currently guaranteed under the Constitution. Critics worry about the risks entailed in opening up the Constitution to amendments that could be influenced by ideological extremes. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the importance of citizen-led reforms and the dire need to rein in federal power, highlighting the traditional mechanisms of state governance as a way to ensure a more balanced federal system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR106

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 HCR13

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 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.

Similar Bills

PA HR106

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 HR21

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.

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.

PA HR111

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.

PA HR112

A Concurrent Resolution calling for a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States to consider amendments to establish a process by which the appointment of United States Supreme Court Justices can occur at regular time intervals and limit how long a Justice may serve on the Court.

PA HR146

Urging the Congress of the United States to fully cooperate with Federal efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education, reaffirming Pennsylvania's sovereign authority over its educational system and recognizing the need for State-led education solutions to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania students.