Resolution relating to the call of a federal amendment convention debated in the House today
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Resolution relating to the call of a federal amendment convention debated in the House today

Date: February 15, 2011
By: Emily Kissee
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
Extended debate in the Missouri House of Representatives delayed the vote over whether state lawmakers have the ability to amend the United States Constitution.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The resolution calls for a U.S. amendment convention and could permit state lawmakers to reject federal law.

Cole County Republican Jay Barnes who is the bill's sponsor says the bill will protect states from the overreaching federal government.

Actuality:  BARNES1.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "This amendment is neither conservative nor liberal. Instead it creates an outlet for both democrats or republicans, conservatives or liberals to stand up for their constituents in rejecting highly unpopular federal laws."

Barnes says this bill brings the concept of federalism back to U.S. states and will not open up the constitution for extreme changes.

Opponents like Democratic Represesntative from St. Louis County Susan Carlson says there is nothing that would limit a constitutional convention from changing the entire U.S. constitution including the Bill of Rights.

From Jefferson City I'm Emily Kissee.

Intro: 
Missouri lawmakers' extended debate over who can amend the U.S. constitution stalled the vote in the House of Representatives .
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Cole County Representative Jay Barnes is sponsoring this resolution.

Barnes says states' rights need to be reasserted.

On the other side, Boone County's Representative Chris Kelly says once the constitution is opened up for change, there's no stopping what could happen.

Actuality:  KELLY11.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "The constitution that we have today is a product of some people getting together in Anapolis, Maryland to change some trade rules. Once they got together they redid the whole shooting match."

Kelly says before approving this resolution, it is important to consider why this is even necessary and how much it will actually help Missourians.

From Jefferson City I'm Emily Kissee.