Testimony: ‘Risk a runaway convention,’ ‘The single best hope,’ ‘Congress hasn’t reined themselves in’

More of the testimony from today’s hearing on HCR 32, calling for an Article V convention of states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution:

Adrienne Evans said, “We risk a runaway convention,” and said, “Our Constitution works. The United States Constitution has guided our government for 229 years. It has withstood wars, economic fluctuations. … Those seeking amendments have existing and tested methods to do so, but under this proposal, once a Constitution is open to a convention of the states, literally all the rules are subject to change.” She said, “Idahoans believe in our Constitution. … This issue has caused a great number of people to form unlikely alliances, because we understand … all protections of liberties and civil rights face an uncertain future. These efforts have been funded by outside special interest groups who have been able to demonstrate considerable influence. Each of us should take great pause.” She said the idea “would make our founders roll over in their graves.”

Brian Gross spoke in favor of the proposal, saying, “I believe it is the single best hope that awaits us if we do not stop the out of control spending,” and other problems at the federal level. “The framers of the Constitution knew the day would come when the three branches of our government in Washington, D.C. would need to be checked by the states. They knew that amendments would be necessary, and they knew that Congress will never propose them.” Gross said the convention can “do what Congress will not, and save the country from their recklessness. … What I would like is for the balance of power to be restored to the states.”

Sen. Marv Hagedorn , R-Meridian, said he’s been working on the issue for six years with a group called the Assembly of State Legislatures . “We all get bound up and wound up in a convention itself, but all the convention really is for is to put the language together of what that amendment will say,” he said. “There was never any consideration of anything other than one state one vote. … All of us that have been involved in writing these rules have all agreed.” In response to questions from the committee, Hagedorn said the rules for an Article V convention are set by those convened for the convention. “Every state needs to determine how they’re going to select their own delegates,” he said. Hagedorn said, “Congress has not been able to pass any amendments to rein themselves in, although they have tried.”

House State Affairs Vice Chairman Jason Monks, R-Nampa, who is presiding over the meeting, said, “At our current rate, it looks like we will not get close to being done today.” He asked those who’ve traveled from afar and can’t return tomorrow to testify next.