This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 28, 2011 - Amid all the Missouri Legislature's attention to state issues like the budget and Proposition B, members of the state House want to make clear they're still paying attention to what's happening in Washington.
State Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger, R-Lake St. Louis, plans to lead a news conference next Monday afternoon in the House Lounge that will focus on the proposal he has sponsored -- House Concurrent Resolution 19. HCR 19 calls for a constitutional amendment to "require that an increase in the federal debt be approved by a majority of the legislatures of the separate states."
As it stands, it's now up to Congress to approve any increase in the federal debt. With the debt limit expected to be reached this spring, some Tea Party groups and other conservative activists oppose increasing the limit.
Gatschenberger's proposal is among several, sponsored in various states, aimed at elevating the states' influence -- and clout -- over Congress.
Gatschenberger plans to be joined by co-sponsors and other legislative allies. Also joining the group is Nick Dranias, who serves as director for the Center for Constitutional Government and is a member of the Goldwater Institute; both groups advocate changes in the federal Constitution.
The effort is in line with the activities of some legislators and Tea Party activists over the past year in opposition to the federal health care changes, and some recent calls to reject federal aid to Missouri public schools.
