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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V

OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

     

     Introduced By: Representative Arthur J. Corvese

     Date Introduced: January 19, 2023

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

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     WHEREAS, The founders of our Constitution empowered State Legislatures to be

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guardians of liberty against future abuses of power by the federal government; and

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     WHEREAS, The federal government has invaded the legitimate roles of the States

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through the manipulative process of federal mandates, most of which are unfunded to a great

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extent; and

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     WHEREAS, It is the solemn duty of the states to protect the liberty of our people,

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particularly for the generations to come; and

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     WHEREAS, Article V of the United States Constitution requires the United States

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Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments upon application of two-thirds of the

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legislatures of the States for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States

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Constitution in order to place clear restraints on these and related abuses of power; now, therefore

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be it

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     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly, under the provisions of Article V of the

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Constitution of the United States, hereby petitions the United States Congress to call a

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Convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that

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impose restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal

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government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress; and be it

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further

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     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby intends that this be a continuing

 

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application considered together with all other passed, pending, and future applications, calling for

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a convention on the aforementioned concerns of the State of Rhode Island notwithstanding until

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such time as two-thirds of the several States have applied for a Convention and said Convention

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is convened by Congress; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President and Secretary of the United States

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Senate; the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives; and the Rhode

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Island Congressional Delegation.

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