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Senators debate Article V 'Convention of States' resolution ahead of third reading
Summary
Lawmakers offered extended debate on Senate Joint Resolution 1 (Convention of States). Senators both urged caution and supported the resolution; the Senate ordered the measure to third reading after extended floor remarks.
Senate Joint Resolution 1, a proposed Article V convention of states measure, drew an extended floor debate with senators expressing both support and skepticism before the resolution was ordered to third reading.
Senator Ihde opened by describing reservations about the convention approach. “I’m still a COS skeptic,” he said, arguing there is no clear precedent that a convention can be limited to specified amendments and that historical precedent shows amendments have typically come through Congress. Senator Case spoke in support, saying the high bar for ratification (and the fact that 13 states can block ratification) protects states and that Wyoming could exercise influence if it chose to ratify proposals that returned to the states.
Other senators weighed the risks and potential benefits. Senator Landon said he’d not previously supported the measure but that he had come to support it because he believes the status quo has failed on fiscal issues; Senator Driscoll and Senator Cole also spoke in favor, citing Article V as a state-level check on a federal government some senators regard as overreaching. Senator Scott cautioned that the Constitution has been durable and urged colleagues to think carefully before calling a convention, warning that states could not fully control the scope of a national convention.
After extended remarks, the president called the procedural question and, hearing no objection, ordered the joint resolution to be read a third time.
Why it matters: A resolution that supports an Article V convention is a consequential statement of state intent; although a single-state vote does not by itself call a convention, SJ Res 1 would contribute to a multistate push if other legislatures act. Floor debate focused on constitutional precedent, ratification safeguards, and potential unintended consequences of a convention.
