A majority in the North Carolina House on Wednesday voted to convene a meeting to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The House voted in favor of a pair of resolutions that would add North Carolina to the list of states seeking a national “convention of states,” as the Constitution allows.
Thirty-four states must formally support the idea of such a convention. Nineteen states have passed convention resolutions so far, according to a group lobbying for the idea. Former US Senator Rick Santorum, a Republican from Pennsylvania, joined House Speaker Tim Moore at a news conference last week to support the proposals.
THE INDIANA SENATE SUPPORTS CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS ON BAIL RIGHTS
The two resolutions will now go to the Senate, where affirmative votes are also required for approval. Resolutions are not subject to the governor’s veto.
Supporters of the convention in the state House argue that constitutional amendments are needed to rein in out-of-control spending and debt, prevent government overreach, and reduce the power of legislators.
Tim Moore, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, speaks in Washington, DC on December 7, 2022. Moore supported a proposal calling for a US constitutional convention. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
One resolution focused solely on term limits passed the House by a vote of 69 to 48. A second resolution considering amendments to address fiscal and power restrictions in Washington, D.C. and on term limits passed 61-55.
The convention proposals have largely been pushed by political conservatives, though some Democrats voted in favor of one or both resolutions on Wednesday.
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But several House Republicans opposed it. Some argue that no limits can be placed on the scope of a constitutional convention, raising the threat that the US Constitution could become the subject of major revision.
All proposed amendments arising from a treaty require the support of 38 states for ratification.
