Convention of States

Public Hearing in Rhode Island on Convention of States | COS LIVE

On Thursday, February 27, the Rhode Island House Committee on State Government and Elections heard public testimony on HR 5385 (COS Action's Article V application for a convention for proposing constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the size and jurisdiction of the federal government, and impose term limits on members of Congress and other federal officials). Local supporters made their voices heard, as well as Regional Director Haley Shaw. A vote is expected at a later date.

UNPRECEDENTED Vote in Kansas Senate | COS LIVE

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Kansas Senate voted on COS Action's Article V application to rein in federal power, impose fiscal restraints, and propose term limits for Congress and federal officials. Despite the Kansas Constitution's two-thirds rule for Article V resolutions, the Senate successfully passed the measure by a 29-11 vote. This exceeds the two-thirds threshold and marks the first time that the COS Action resolution has been successfully adopted by the Kansas Senate. Regional Director Deanna Becket and Senior Vice President Rita Peters react to this historic victory for the COS Kansas team, and they also preview what's next in the Kansas legislature.

Kansas Senate Debates Convention of States | COS LIVE

On Wednesday, February 26, the Kansas Senate debated SCR 1604 (COS Action's Article V application). After some introduction from Regional Directors Andrew Lusch and Deanna Becket, the episode goes to the playback of the debate. State senators discussed the resolution and voted on various amendments to the resolution. In the end, the Senate advanced the resolution on a voice vote to Third Reading. The Senate is expected to take a final vote on the resolution on February 27.

Nebraska Hears Convention of States | COS LIVE

The Nebraska Committee on Government, Military and Veterans Affairs heard public testimony on LR14, a resolution that would remove the expiration date for Convention of States in Nebraska. The Unicameral originally passed COS Action's Article V resolution in 2022, making it the 17th state to join the movement.

COS LIVE Bonanza! Iowa Committee Vote + National Overview

In this episode of COS LIVE, Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch introduce a vote in the Iowa House State Government Committee from Wednesday, Feb. 26. The committee interrupted its proceedings with an unscheduled caucus, so Andrew and Rita took that opportunity to give a national update for Convention of States as well as sharing terrific educational content regarding Article V. They comment on several videos, including previously-unreleased recording from the New Hampshire committee's vote on COS and the introduction of COS in Ohio from earlier this morning.

The committee eventually voted 13-10 to advance COS Action to the Iowa House floor for debate. Regional Director Catherine Zemanek joined the broadcast to comment on the victory and preview what happens next.

Wyoming House Hears from Public on Convention of States | COS LIVE

On Feb. 25, 2025, the Wyoming House Education Committee heard public testimony on SJ1 (COS Action's Article V Resolution). In this episode of COS LIVE, Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters gives an update on our legislative activity in Wyoming and nationwide. Then, the hearing begins with an introduction from the sponsor, opponent testimony, and proponent testimony. COSA Senior Advisor Rick Santorum provided expert testimony. After comments from the legislators, the committee voted to advance the resolution to the House floor for a final vote.

 

SJ1 reads: "The Legislature of the State of Wyoming hereby applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the several states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress." This resolution has been successfully passed by 19 other states. Two-thirds of the states are required to call an Article V convention.

Great Communication and Team Calls | Grassroots Groundbreakers Ep.7

Did you know that regular, dynamic calls can enliven a volunteer team? In this month's episode of Grassroots Groundbreakers, Mike Ruthenberg interviews Denah Butts, who is a State Director with Convention of States Florida. Denah shares what has been working for the Florida team, including the structure of their calls and how she keeps attendees engaged. Mike is the Chief Grassroots Officer for Convention of States.

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Iowa House Holds Public Hearing on Convention of States | COS LIVE

On Tuesday, February 18, a subcommittee of the Iowa House Committee on State Government heard public testimony on our Article V application for a convention to propose amendments that would impose fiscal restraints, limits on the size and jurisdiction of the federal government, and term limits on Congress and federal officials. After Senior Vice President Rita Peters previews the hearing, local Convention of States supporters testify before the committee and the committee votes. Then, Regional Director Catherine Zemanek and Assistant Regional Director Karen Schuster joins Rita to react to the results.

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Idaho House Committee Hears Public Testimony on Convention of States | COS LIVE

On February 17 the Idaho House Committee on Judiciary, Rules, and Administration held a public hearing on our Article V application (HCR 10) to rein in federal power as well as our 34Ready bill (HCR 9) which would set the procedural rules for selecting and guiding commissioners to an Article V convention. Rick Santorum provided expert testimony. Providing commentary are Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters and Regional Directors Catherine Zemanek and Andrew Lusch. After a debate among the legislators and a series of motions, the committee ultimately advanced both pieces of legislation to the House floor by a vote of 8-7 with "do-pass" recommendations.

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Slash the Waste | The BattleCry

COS President Mark Meckler returns to ponder the Left's new strategy of defending government waste and abuse. Later in the program, he shares his favorite video and his favorite speech of the week. Both involve President Trump's recently-confirmed cabinet picks. 

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