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Arizona Senate narrowly rejects resolution to call convention for congressional term limits
Summary
The Arizona Senate debated a House concurrent resolution asking Congress to call an Article V convention to propose amendments limiting terms for U.S. representatives and senators. Lawmakers split on whether the move risks a ‘runaway’ convention; the measure failed on final count.
The Arizona Senate voted on May 7 on House Concurrent Resolution 2041, a measure asking Congress to call an Article V convention to propose amendments limiting terms of office for members of the U.S. House and Senate; the resolution failed, 13-12 with five senators not voting.
Proponents said the resolution would pressure Congress to act on term limits. “Term limits do exactly that,” Senator Leach said during debate, urging support for the measure as a way to prompt congressional action on issues like a balanced budget amendment.
Opponents warned an Article V convention carries open-ended risks, saying a convention could extend beyond term limits and alter other constitutional protections. “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,” Senator Epstein said in explaining a no vote.
Supporters argued the prospect of a convention would compel Congress to change behavior without permitting a runaway process. Senator Leach told colleagues that state pressure would force congressional action rather than risk a convention.
The resolution moved through committee and received a due-pass recommendation before floor debate. Senators across the chamber offered extended explanations of their votes; the final roll call recorded 13 ayes, 12 nays and 5 not voting, and the resolution did not pass.
Why it matters: The proposal touched a national constitutional mechanism — Article V — and spurred sharp debate about the balance between using state leverage to force federal change and safeguarding the Constitution against unpredictable amendments. The vote leaves Arizona without a formal call to Congress for a convention on term limits.
What happened next: The resolution failed on final reading; no committee or staff direction to pursue alternative measures was recorded during the session.
