The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.HOW IT WORKSArticle V of the U.S. Constitution states that a convention to propose amendments can be called by Congress when either two-thirds of both chambers [the Senate and House] “deem it necessary” or two-thirds of state legislatures request it. Any amendments would then be required to be approved and ratified buy three-fourths (38) of the states, whether by the legislatures or ratifying conventions.Once 34 states submit requests to Congress for the convention , it is up to Congress to determine the time and place of the convention.
Some state lawmakers fed up with what they say is unbridled federal spending are pushing through a resolution asking for a convention of states to force a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
A balanced budget amendment would prevent the federal government from spending more than it takes in.
“[Federal spending] is out of control, and asking the U.S. Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment that requires that they spend within their means, well, it’s practically impossible,” said Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, a co-sponsor of the resolution.
The Senate Judiciary Committee last week approved by a 9-0 vote SJR 493, sponsored by Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, a resolution to call a convention of the states to propose a balanced budget amendment. The measure is scheduled to be heard before the full Senate today.