Another conservative priority has passed the state’s upper chamber as the Texas Senate voted to approve a resolution calling for an Article V Convention of States.
On Tuesday, the Texas Senate voted along party lines (20-11) in favor of SJR 2 by State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R–Granbury), which would make Texas the ninth state to call for an Article V convention allowing states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The measure is legislative priority of Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and the Republican Party of Texas, all of whom argue that a Convention of States is desperately needed to rein in an out-of-control federal government.
“Today, the Texas Senate took the decisive first step in its call for an Article V Convention of States to check an otherwise out-of-control federal government and return the state to their rightful balance of power in our federal system,” said Birdwell after the measure passed. “I applaud my colleagues for the thoughtful, rigorous and respectful debate of this critical issue.”
The passage of the resolution was also commended by Abbott.
“Our nation is succumbing to the caprice of man that our Founders fought to escape and I am encouraged that the Texas Senate has taken the first step in joining other states from around the county in reversing that trend,” said Abbott in a statement. “I want to thank Senator Birdwell for his dedication on this issue, and I look forward to its approval in the House.”
The measure will now proceed to the Texas House where the Democrat coalition led by Joe Straus (R–San Antonio) has placed roadblocks in the way of passage—intending to use the issue as a bargaining chip late in the session in the hope of extracting concessions from Gov. Abbott on the budget and other issues.
Citizens should demand that such a public policy priority isn’t used as a political football. And Abbott should ensure that the Texas House moves expediently and judiciously to approve the resolution.
