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Arizona Senate narrowly rejects resolution calling for Article V convention on congressional term limits
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Summary
The Arizona Senate debated and voted on House Concurrent Resolution 2041, which would urge Congress to call a convention under Article V to propose term limits for federal lawmakers; the measure failed after extended floor debate and a 13-12 vote with five not voting.
The Arizona Senate considered House Concurrent Resolution 2041 on May 7, 2025, a proposal asking Congress to call an Article V convention to propose constitutional amendments imposing term limits on members of the U.S. House and Senate; after more than an hour of floor remarks, the measure failed by a vote of 13 ayes, 12 nays and 5 not voting.
The measure’s backers said the resolution would pressure Congress to act on term limits; its opponents warned that an Article V convention is an untested, high-risk process that could exceed its stated purpose. Senator Leach said the resolution “sets up the framework” and would send a message to Congress, adding, “Between 50 and 80 years, you should be termed out.” Senator Epstein, explaining his no vote, said, “I call this a great big risky game of chicken, and I am not willing to risk our rights that are enshrined in our U.S. Constitution with a game of chicken.”
Supporters argued the move would motivate federal action. Senator Leach urged colleagues that advancing the measure would “pressure Congress” and called term limits “important.” Opponents repeatedly raised risk and uncertainty around Article V, citing lack of procedural guardrails and the potential for a “runaway” convention. Senator Kuby (floor remarks recorded as opposing) described the Article V route as “untested” and “risky.” Senator Rogers said she would not vote “for something hoping that it eventually doesn't happen so that it then becomes leverage,” calling the exercise “a very serious risk.”
The committee of the whole had recommended a due-pass recommendation before the floor debate. Following debate and the roll call, the presiding officer announced the vote as 13 ayes, 12 nays and 5 not voting and said, “You have failed to pass HCR 2041.”
Why it matters: the vote reflected a close split in the Senate on using state-initiated constitutional conventions as a tool to force federal-level change. Proponents see the measure as a means to curb perceived congressional entrenchment; opponents point to constitutional and practical uncertainties about an Article V convention.
Details of action: the committee of the whole reported HCR 2041 with a due-pass recommendation; the full Senate debated and then rejected the measure on third reading. No implementation or follow-up actions were directed on the floor.
Voices on the record: direct quotes in this report come from senators who spoke during the floor debate and are attributed to the speakers listed below.
(Ending) The resolution’s failure leaves the issue of congressional term limits unresolved at the state level for now. Lawmakers and advocates on both sides signaled this is likely to remain a recurring subject in legislative and advocacy circles.
