Nebraska lawmakers overcome filibuster, pass ‘Convention of States’ resolution

LINCOLN — Nebraska became the 17th state on Friday to pass a resolution calling for a “Convention of States” to draft proposed constitutional amendments to limit federal spending, impose term limits on U.S. senators and representatives and reduce the size of federal

government.

State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings and 18 co-sponsors, all Republican, proposed the resolution, saying that spending in Congress is out of control and must be reined in.

Omaha Sen. John McCollister led the opposition to the idea, calling it a “monster” that could get out of control, with such a convention straying into other issues, including limiting the powers of the president.

Two-thirds of the states, or 34, would have to agree before a convention of the states could be called. Wisconsin became the 16th state to pass such a resolution earlier this week. Advocates say it’s a way to return control to the states and fight back against the agenda of President Joe Biden and Congress.

Halloran’s Legislative Resolution 14 advanced on a 32-14 vote, mostly along party lines, after 33 of the Unicameral’s 49 senators voted to end a filibuster against the idea.  

Under an amendment attached to LR 14, Nebraska’s call would expire after five years.