Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Article V Resolution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House defeats resolution calling for Article V convention after lengthy floor debate
Summary
Representative Ivory's joint resolution to call a convention of the states under Article V — intended to propose amendments limiting federal power — was debated at length and failed on the House floor by 34‑38. Supporters framed it as a states' rights remedy; opponents warned of unpredictable scope and risk.
The Utah House on Feb. 25 considered HJR 14, a joint resolution calling for a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose amendments to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government. The measure drew one of the longest debates of the afternoon and was defeated on a recorded floor vote.
Sponsor Representative Ivory opened by framing the resolution as a means for states to "grab the steering wheel" and address what he described as chronic federal overreach. "We have the power to grab the steering wheel," the sponsor said, urging colleagues to act because he said the fiscal and regulatory trends are unsustainable.
Opponents raised procedural and prudential objections. Representative Spendlove warned that a convention could "make its own rules and set its own agenda," quoting past judicial commentary that cautioned against an unconstrained convention. Representative Christiansen described the question as a "sincere family disagreement" among lawmakers who agreed about the problem but disagreed on whether this method was the safe or appropriate remedy.
Supporters including Representatives Kristofferson, Snow and Stratton argued Article V exists as a check on federal power and that a carefully limited convening could re‑center authority with the states. "Whether the process is in this body or whether the process is a national process that focuses on the power of the governed to govern themselves," Representative Snow said in support.
After extended debate, the House recorded 34 yes and 38 no; HJR 14 failed and was referred to staff for filing.
Procedural note: the resolution required only a House concurrence to place the state's application with Congress; if passed, the states must still follow the Article V process and any proposed amendments would require ratification by three‑quarters of the states before taking effect.
Vote detail: HJR 14, vote 34‑38 (failed).
