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Committee advances resolution to repeal Seventeenth Amendment to full Senate
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 22, introduced by Sen. Greg Hertz to propose returning selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures, passed the committee by a 4‑2 vote and will go to the Senate floor.
Senate Joint Resolution 22, introduced by Senator Greg Hertz, would propose repeal of the Seventeenth Amendment and return selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures or whichever mechanism a state chooses. Hertz argued the change would restore the founders' balance between state and federal power, reduce outside campaign spending influence and make senators more responsive to state governments.
Hertz cited historical examples of corruption that occurred under the pre‑1913 appointment system and said modern federal campaign inflows have swamped state influence; he framed the resolution as a federalism restoration. A witness representing tribal communities testified in opposition, calling the pre‑Seventeenth Amendment system elitist and noting tribal citizens' long struggle for voting rights.
After discussion, the committee moved SJ 22 'do pass.' The clerk reported the vote as 4 to 2 in favor and the committee agreed SJ 22 will move to the Senate floor for further debate and possible floor action.
