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SJR 2011

A joint resolution calling for an Article V convention in order to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and limit the number of terms that a person may serve in Congress or as a federal official.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Green

Iowa calls for constitutional convention to propose amendments limiting federal power, requiring fiscal restraint, and imposing congressional term limits.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Staed.
#congress #constitutionoftheunitedstates #conventions #federalgovernment #jurisdiction #resolutions #resolutions-substantive #termlimits
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Bill Summary · SJR 2011

Legislative bill overview

SJR 2011 is a joint resolution calling for Iowa to petition Congress to convene an Article V constitutional convention. The convention would be tasked with proposing amendments to reduce federal government power and jurisdiction, implement fiscal constraints, and establish term limits for members of Congress and federal officials.

Why is this important

An Article V convention is an extraordinary mechanism that requires two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) to convene a constitutional convention outside the normal amendment process. If successful, this could fundamentally restructure federal governance through constitutional amendments, bypassing Congress entirely. This represents one of the few constitutional tools available to states to directly challenge federal authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope concerns: Critics worry that an Article V convention, once called, could become a "runaway convention" that proposes amendments beyond the stated three purposes, potentially destabilizing the entire constitutional framework
  • Term limits debate: Congressional term limit proposals are constitutionally complex—the Supreme Court has previously ruled that term limits cannot be imposed legislatively and would require a constitutional amendment, making this feasible but controversial
  • Fiscal restraint definitions: "Fiscal restraints" on federal government is vague and could mean anything from balanced budget requirements to spending caps, creating uncertainty about what amendments would actually be proposed
  • State coordination challenge: Requires 34 states to pass similar resolutions—coordinating this effort has proven difficult historically, and the political feasibility remains uncertain despite growing interest since 2010

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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