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Article V balanced-budget resolution fails after lengthy debate
Summary
First Substitute HJR8, calling for an Article V convention to propose a balanced-budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, failed in the House after an extended floor debate about delegate behavior, emergency exceptions and economic flexibility. The first substitute was defeated 32–41.
Representative Powell sponsored the first substitute to House Joint Resolution 8, asking the Utah Legislature to join other states in requesting an Article V convention limited to a balanced-budget amendment. Powell framed the measure as a necessary response to growing federal debt and argued that the states possess the constitutional remedy.
Floor debate included extended exchanges. Powell emphasized scholarly support and said the substitute includes language meant to limit delegate power and to protect against overreach, noting the substitute spells out emergency exceptions. Opponents raised concerns that delegates from other states or the convention’s procedures could yield unintended consequences, and some argued that balanced-budget rules might hamstring Congress’s ability to respond to recessions or emergencies. Representative Draxler, Representative Ivory and Representative Perry were among members who articulated reservations about the approach or potential consequences.
After summations and a reading of the substitute, the House voted and the first substitute failed, 32 yes to 41 no; the resolution will be filed.
