Indiana is the sixth state to formally request a constitutional convention. The Constitution gives states the power to force consideration of amendments without going through Congress. If 34 states pass the same resolution, it forces a convention to vote on which amendments to the states. Indiana joins Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee in calling for consideration of three limits on federal power: a balanced budget amendment, term limits for Congress and federal judges, and congressional power to block federal regulations.
Markle Senator Travis Holdman contends the amendments are the only means of reining in federal spending. He dismisses conservative skeptics who predict Washington will find a way around any new restrictions.
An additional nine states have passed the resolution in one legislative chamber so far this year, and Holdman says enough others have at least considered the issue to force the convention if they all follow through. He predicts it’ll happen eventually — he notes the resolution doesn’t have an expiration date. If the convention takes place, it takes 38 states to ratify any amendments proposed there. Two House Democrats joined Republicans to approve the resolution. Nine Republicans in the House and six in the Senate opposed it.