Ga. Senate passes resolution calling for fiscal restraints on federal government

ATLANTA — The Georgia State Senate on Tuesday passed a measure calling for a convention of states to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.

Senate Resolution 736, sponsored by Sen. Cecil Staton, R- Macon, passed by a vote of 37 to 16.

In addition to calling for the convention, the resolution also provides for potential constitutional amendments. The amendments would limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government as well as the terms of office for federal officials and members of congress.

“I am glad my colleagues saw the importance of supporting this critical piece of legislation,” Staton said in a statement. “It is up to the states to use the one tool our founders gave us in Article V of the Constitution, a convention of the states, with the limited purpose of considering how to impose fiscal restraint on a run-away federal government.”It is up to the states to use the one tool our founders gave us in article V of the Constitution, a convention of states, with the limited purpose of considering how to impose fiscal restraint on a run-away federal government.

Under Article V of the Constitution, states have the power to call for a convention of states. A request for an amendment must be submitted by two-thirds of state legislatures, making applications on the same topic.

Once the proposed amendments are debated and approved by the convention, they are sent to all 50 states for ratification by their legislatures. In order for the amendments to be ratified, three quarters of the states must agree on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Similar resolutions have been introduced during previous legislative sessions, including a resolution urging Congress to draft a balanced budget amendment.

The resolution now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.