Condotta returns from Mt. Vernon Assembly discussion of ‘Convention of the States,’ calls talks productive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2013
CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer– (360) 786-7794
Condotta returns from discussion of ‘Convention of the States,’ calls talks productive
Rep. Cary Condotta spent December 7 and 8 in Mount Vernon, Virginia with approximately 100 other legislators from 32 states from across the country. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss the possibility of adding amendments to the U.S. Constitution. As outlined in Article V of the Constitution, a Convention of States could be called and would allow state legislatures to vote on amendments to add to the U.S. Constitution.
Condotta says while the discussion went well, nothing has been decided and it is important the public understand what is being considered.
“We are taking a very cautious approach. A Convention of States has never been done before, and it requires 34 states to ask Congress to call one. Rules need to be set ahead of time and carefully considered to ensure the proper process is followed and the convention runs smoothly,” said Condotta, R-East Wenatchee. “Obviously a lot of work needs to be done before this can happen. Right now we are gauging interest, considering logistics and addressing unanswered questions about the process.”
The reason state legislators around the country are considering the convention is twofold.
“This process would allow states to push back against the federal government and gain more control of the issues impacting individual states and it would let states have some say in the issues the federal government has refused or been unable to resolve,” said Condotta. “That being said, no official amendments have been proposed, but ideas related to balanced budgets, limits on federal taxation and spending, and term limits have been discussed.”
Under Article V there are only two ways to amend the Constitution. The first and most commonly known method is when a proposed amendment must be approved thru two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths (38) of the states. The other method being the Convention of the States and have 34 state legislatures take action in support of an amendment to the Constitution.
The next meeting of the Mount Vernon Assembly is tentatively scheduled for May.
For more information about Rep. Condotta, visit: www.representativecarycondotta.com.
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Rep. Condotta’s media:
Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov
455 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600 
