Wisconsin Assembly Approves Resolution for Convention of States
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 -- 10:40 AM
(AP) -The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly approved a resolution Tuesday to call a convention of the states to consider making changes to the U.S. Constitution, despite arguments against from Democrats who called such a move dangerous.Wisconsin would become the 16th state to pass such a resolution should the state Senate also pass it. Because it is a resolution, and not a state law, it does not require the signature of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to be enacted. It is not clear whether or when the Senate would vote on the measure. Congress must receive requests from 34 states to convene a convention of the states. Congress can also refer amendments to the states by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. Both methods require at least 38 states to ratify an amendment before it can take effect.
The convention process has never been used to amend the Constitution. The Assembly passed it 60-38. Two Republicans, Amy Loudenbeck and David Murphy, joined with all Democrats in voting against it. Democrats and other opponents argue that calling a constitutional convention could get out of control, leading to far-ranging revisions that could drastically reshape the nation’s founding document.
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