McClain, Riedel Introducing Resolution to Reign in Federal Government

State Rep. Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and State Rep. Craig S. Riedel (R-Defiance) have announced that they will soon introduce a resolution to call for a Convention of States, as outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The action would put Ohio on a list with 15 other states who have already passed a similar subject resolution to reign in the federal government. A convention will only convene once 2/3 of the 50 states (34 of the total) have passed a similar subject resolution.

“The size and scope of the federal government have long been unsustainable, and we have waited long enough for Congress to fix itself,” said McClain.

Article V provides for two mechanisms for Constitutional amendments to be proposed. The first is through direct Congressional action and the second is a call from the states for a convention.

The process for a Convention of States is as such:

• A call for a Convention of States within the same subject matter must be passed by resolution in 2/3 of the states. (34)
• Once 34 states have done so, a Convention will be called by Congress in which all 50 states sends a delegation. Each state delegation receives one vote on each proposition of the Convention. 
• At the Convention, proposed amendments within the outlined subject matter require a simple majority (26) of states to be accepted. 
• The accepted amendments then must then be ratified by the legislatures in 3/4 of the states. (38)

This resolution limits the proposed amendment subject matter to: limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, term limits for Congress and other government officials, and fiscal restraints for the federal government.

“I support term limits for office members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives because it holds public officials accountable throughout their political careers,” said Riedel. “This resolution aims to increase the opportunity for competition for new members to bring diverse ideas and experiences to reviewing and amending federal laws while providing a necessary check on the current power of the Legislative Branch.” 

“The road to this end will be long and arduous, but the task at hand is critical to the sustainability of this great Republic that we share,” McClain added.

McClain and Riedel intend to introduce the resolution next week.