What's happening
This resolution calls for a national convention to propose amendments imposing fiscal limits, federal power limits, and term limits for Congress and federal officials.
Why it matters
Signals Growing State-Led Push for Constitutional Reform. By formally applying for a national convention, New York joins a movement among states seeking to use Article V powers to initiate constitutional changes, reflecting significant dissatisfaction with current federal practices.
Could Drastically Reshape Federal-State Power Balance. The resolution’s focus on limiting federal authority and restoring state roles could lead to amendments that shift decision-making power away from Washington, impacting everything from regulation to education and healthcare.
Potential for Sweeping Structural Changes. Proposals for fiscal restraints and term limits could fundamentally alter how the federal government operates, affecting national debt policy, career politicians’ influence, and the accountability of federal officials.
Raises Uncertainty and Debate About Convention Process. An Article V convention has never been held, and the rules and scope of such a gathering are unclear, raising questions about transparency, the risk of unintended constitutional changes (“runaway convention”), and the future of U.S. governance.
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Headline styles
Call Convention to Amend Constitution
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 944 BY: Senator GRIFFO
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY making an application to the Congress of the United States of America for the calling of a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal limits… Show allHide
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY making an application to the Congress of the United States of America for the calling of a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal limits on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials WHEREAS, The Founders of our Constitution empowered State Legislators and State Legislatures to be guardians of liberty against future abuses of power by the federal government; and WHEREAS, The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution specifically provides that all powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited by the Constitution to the states, are then reserved to the states respectively, or to the people; and WHEREAS, For many decades, this balance of power was generally respected and followed by those occupying positions of authority in the federal government; and WHEREAS, The federal government has gradually invaded the legitimate roles of the states through the process of excessive federal mandates; and WHEREAS, The federal government has created a mounting national debt exceeding $17 trillion; and WHEREAS, The federal government, and especially the executive branch, has ceased to abide by and respect the proper interpretation of the Constitution of the United States; and WHEREAS, It is the solemn duty of the states to protect the liberty of our people, particularly for the generations to come, by proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the United States through a Convention of the states under Article V for the purpose of restraining these and related abuses of power; and WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of New York believes it to be in the best interest of the people of the United States that Amendments to the Constitution of the United States be considered that impose fiscal limits on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED (if the concur), The legislature of the State of New York hereby applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the states, limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials; and be it further RESOLVED (if the concur), This application constitutes a continuing application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution of the United States until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the several states have made applications on the same subject; and be it further RESOLVED (if the concur), The secretary of state is hereby directed to transmit copies of this application to the President and Secretary of the United States Senate and to the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and copies to the members of the said Senate and House of Representatives from this State; also to transmit copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the legislative houses in the several States, requesting their cooperation.
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