Nebraska lawmakers debate a resolution that, if approved by 34 states, would authorize a convention for states to propose constitutional amendments to restrain Federal Government spending.
"Families and individuals all across the country must balance their budgets," said Resolution sponsor Steve Halloran; "so why doesn't the federal government balance its budget?"
Halloran says the resolution would only allow states to propose balanced budget amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Opponents, however, say the resolution is too vague and the power of a convention could be abused.
"I'm sure that there'd be a procedure within that convention where they would be able to overrule the ruling of the Chair, or maybe the Chair would actually agree with them," said State Senator Adam Morfeld, "and then suddenly we have a new constitution that has impacted all kinds of rights that we hold dear."
The resolution also deals with jurisdiction and term limits at the federal level.
If it passes and Governor Pete Ricketts signs it, Nebraska would become the 16th state to support such a convention of states.
(Picture from Nebraska State Government)