AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The Texas Legislature has approved calling for a convention of states to amend the U.S. Constitution and impose such things as a federal balanced budget requirement.
Governor Greg Abbott backs the plan, in which 34 legislatures could bypass Congress. The Texas House passed it 94-51 on Thursday.
Ten other states have passed similar measures. Texas has called for such conventions 16 previous times, without any happening.
Though Republicans control the presidency and Congress, the measure’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Rick Miller said, “This is not a partisan issue” since the federal government’s “out of control.”
The Senate already endorsed the plan but was so worried about a “runaway” convention where delegates could propose unexpected amendments that it mandated jailing any who “go rouge.” The House scrapped that provision.
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