OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has won approval from the full Senate for Senate Joint Resolution 23, calling for an Article V Convention of States to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.  Standridge has advocated for a Convention of States for several years, and worked closely with his friend, the late U.S. Senator, Tom Coburn, on the issue.

“I was incredibly honored to work with my friend, Dr. Coburn, on getting this resolution originally passed a few years ago, and very proud of the book we worked on together, Smashing the DC Monopoly, on this very topic,” Standridge said.  “It gives tremendous insight into how Dr. Coburn determined that Article V was the right avenue for states, and how states can work together to reassert the sovereignty our founders intended.  I’m proud to honor his memory by continuing to support this effort.”

Standridge said there are two ways amendments to the Constitution can be proposed, either through a two-thirds majority of Congress or a two-thirds majority of the states.

“Our founders included the right of states to propose amendments as a way to correct any imbalance of powers between the states and the federal government and solve problems that Congress cannot or will not address,” Standridge said.  “Examples of potential proposals that could help would be to impose term limits on Congress and require a balanced budget.”

SJR 23, which was approved Tuesday, now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Standridge said he encouraged all states to pass a Convention of States Article V resolution.

“Leaders in every state should stand up and show that the rights and freedoms of their citizens mean more than an all-powerful federal government that continually works to erode our rights and freedoms,” Standridge said.

For more information, contact Sen. Rob Standridge at 405-521-5535 or email [email protected].