Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
If enacted, SJR63 would represent a significant shift in the balance of power between state and federal governments. By pushing for a convention to propose amendments, Texas aims to join a coalition of states that seek specific constitutional reforms regarding federal spending, authority, and representative terms. This could lead to overarching changes in federal law and governance that would affect legislation on a national scale, representing a direct challenge to the existing federal framework.
SJR63 is a joint resolution that appeals to the United States Congress to convene a constitutional convention under Article V of the Constitution. The primary focus of the resolution is to propose amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and set term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution signifies a growing concern regarding federal overreach and aims to reclaim power at the state level by addressing issues of national debt and unfunded federal mandates that burden the states.
The bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators and the public. Supporters argue that it provides a necessary mechanism to curb federal power and respond to the growing national debt, while critics raise concerns about the potential risks of a constitutional convention. They worry about the unpredictability of such a process and the risk that it could lead to amendments that may not align with the original intentions of the Constitution or that could further erode other protections.
The resolution specifies that unless rescinded, it serves as a continuous application for a convention, reflecting a long-term commitment from the Texas legislature to this cause. The Texas Secretary of State is tasked with forwarding this resolution to various congressional leaders and state officials to gain wider support for the proposed amendments, indicating a strategic effort to rally other states to join this initiative under Article V.