Rep. McClain, Willis Introduce H.J.R. 2 to Rein in Federal Power with Convention of States Resolution

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Riordan McClain (R- Upper Sandusky) and Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) recently introduced House Joint Resolution 2 (H.J.R. 2), which calls for Ohio to join the convention of states with the goal of limiting the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and discussing the issue of term limits for officials and members of Congress. 

H.J.R. 2 is a resolution calling for Ohio to join 19 other states in applying for a state-led Article V Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution.  This convention would focus on proposing constitutional amendments to implement congressional term limits, require balanced federal budget, and limit the powers of the federal government. For a convention to be called, at least 34 states will need to pass the exact same resolution, and 26 states must approve any proposal for amendments at the convention itself. If approved, those amendments would be distributed to all 50 states; the approval of 38 states will be necessary to enact each proposed amendment in the Constitution.

“The American citizens have expressed over and over again that they are tired of constant federal overreach,” said Representative McClain. “The answer to provide lasting change is through the constitutional process laid out in Article V for a Convention of the States. Federalism has always been an inherent value of our nation and the time has come to return power to our states. I hope to add Ohio to the many states already making this specific call.”

“I am proud to sponsor this resolution for Ohio to exercise its due authority under Article V of the U.S. Constitution,” said Representative Willis. “The proof that it is non-partisan lies in the effort to rein in the federal government when OUR party has the White House and control of both the Senate and House!  Look no further than the 1980s for evidence that when enough states call for a convention, the U.S. Government makes positive changes to avoid that outcome.  It is time for Ohioans to be heard!”

Representatives McClain and Willis also introduced House Bill 67, which will set guidelines for delegates from Ohio to attend the convention. H.B. 67 – also known as the “Faithful Delegates” bill – establishes responsibilities and limitations upon our delegates, for example, delegates will not be allowed to vote on any proposal that impacts the Bill of Rights or the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments among others. H.B. 67 also creates procedures for how delegates will be selected. 

House Bill 67 will now be assigned to a House committee for further discussion. 

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For more information, contact Rep. McClain’s office at Rep87@ohiohouse.gov or Rep. Willis’ office at Rep74@ohiohouse.gov