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SJR 54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Birdwell

Texas calls for a constitutional convention to propose amendments limiting federal spending, power, and imposing congressional term limits.

Left pending in committee
#congress(i0085) #federalrelations(s0862) #legislature(i0520) #president #u.s.(s0841) #resolutions--memorializingcongress(i0675) #resolutions--unitedstatesconstitution(i0670) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #speakerofthehouse(s0306)
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Bill Summary · SJR 54

Legislative bill overview

SJR 54 is a Texas resolution petitioning Congress to convene a constitutional convention under Article V of the Constitution. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments addressing federal fiscal restraint, reducing federal power and jurisdiction, and imposing term limits on federal officials and Congress members.

Why is this important

An Article V convention is an extremely rare mechanism—never successfully used in U.S. history—that could fundamentally alter the Constitution without presidential involvement. This resolution represents a significant push by Texas toward constitutional reform, reflecting growing frustration among some states with federal authority and spending levels.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Critics worry a "limited purpose" convention could expand beyond stated goals once convened, potentially opening the entire Constitution to amendment
  • Representation and process: Questions about which states call the convention, voting procedures, and whether 34 states' applications (needed to trigger it) would actually materialize
  • Political motivation: Opponents view this as a conservative effort to lock in term limits and reduce federal power, while supporters see it as necessary democratic reform against federal overreach
  • Uncertainty and risk: No precedent exists for how an Article V convention would function, creating unpredictable outcomes and potential institutional instability

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

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