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Senate defeats Convention of States resolution after extended debate
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Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, an Article V Convention of States application, failed after lengthy floor debate over federal overreach, fiscal policy and the risks of an Article V convention; the roll call was 7 yes, 7 no, 7 not voting.
The Delaware Senate considered and then rejected Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, an application for an Article V Convention of the States intended to propose constitutional amendments on topics including term limits and fiscal restraints.
Sponsor Senator Richardson urged support, arguing states must ‘‘protect the liberties of current and future generations’’ and citing federal mandates and the national debt as drivers for action. Benjamin Cassell, representing the Delaware Convention of States organization, addressed the chamber in favor of the measure, telling senators he represents ‘‘almost 15,000 Delaware households’’ and outlining priorities such as term limits and fiscal responsibility.
Opponents, including Senator Sikola, argued the convention process is risky and could harm programs that assist vulnerable populations, saying organized funders and special interests ‘‘have something to lose’’ while people who rely on government services could suffer. Senators also debated historical examples and divergent views on whether the current federal system can be fixed from within.
On roll call, the secretary announced the vote as 7 yes, 7 no, and 7 not voting; Senate Concurrent Resolution 114 therefore failed to reach the required majority and was declared defeated.
