Heated testimony in committee hearing on Article V convention resolution; sponsors pull bill for more work

Senator Gary Stubblefield presented a resolution applying for an Article V convention of states, arguing that rising federal debt and perceived judicial overreach justify using the constitutional mechanism to propose amendments. He framed the proposal as a way to restore the founders' limits on federal power.

Tom Coburn, introduced to the committee as a former U.S. senator, testified in favor of state-led action, warning of federal overreach and urging state legislatures to pursue structural remedies. Mark Meckler, president of Convention of States Action, told the committee his organization has broad grassroots support and described prior interstate practice and legal mechanisms that, he said, limit a convention to its application subject matter.

Opposition testimony included Paul Calvert, who argued that impeachment and existing constitutional processes—not an Article V convention—are the appropriate remedies for wayward judges or officials. Questions from senators focused on whether a convention could be limited to specific topics, whether delegates could be bound by instructions or recalled, and what legal safeguards exist to prevent a "runaway" convention. Meckler and legal advisers told the committee that points of order, aggregation rules, and agency law provide constraints but that concerns remain.

Because a large number of members of the public had signed up to speak and the committee faced a floor session and time limits, members debated limiting public testimony. Some senators insisted on hearing all registered speakers; others prioritized schedule. Ultimately, Stubblefield agreed to pull the resolution and return with amendments and more time to hear public testimony; the committee adjourned without voting on the resolution.