A resolution that would put Louisiana at the vanguard of establishing a constitutional convention to ratify an amendment to the United States Constitution regarding the federal debt will be considered in the state House of Representatives Tuesday.
A resolution that would put Louisiana at the vanguard of establishing a constitutional convention to ratify an amendment to the United States Constitution regarding the federal debt will be considered in the state House of Representatives Tuesday. House Concurrent Resolution 87 by Rep. Noble Ellington, R-Winnsboro, proposes an amendment to the Constitution that would allow an increase of the U.S. debt ceiling only if approved by a majority of the state legislatures.
In the backdrop of Ellington's bill is a looming showdown in Congress between the Republican-controlled House and the Obama administration over raising the federal debt limit. Also in the backdrop: Ellington's reelection this fall; the career lawmaker and wealthy cotton baron - he has served multiple terms in the state House, state Senate and again in the House dating back to 1987 - switched to Republican last December after lifelong affiliation with the Democratic Party.
The resolution cleared the House and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously last month.