Idaho House to Consider Constitutional Convention to Amend Budget

Supporters argue a convention is needed to rein in federal deficit, but critics warn of uncontrollable risks.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:47am

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The Idaho House of Representatives is set to vote on a resolution that would call for a never-before-used constitutional convention to propose an amendment to balance the federal budget. Supporters say it's needed to address the rising deficit, while critics argue it risks putting the entire Constitution up for change in an uncontrollable process.

Why it matters

This marks the latest attempt by a state legislature to trigger the rarely used constitutional convention process, which has never been successfully used to amend the U.S. Constitution. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between state sovereignty and federal power, as well as concerns about the nation's fiscal health.

The details

The resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 25, is sponsored by Republican state representatives John Shirts and Josh Tanner. They argue the goal is to pressure Congress to address the deficit, rather than actually force a convention. However, the Idaho Republican Party opposes the measure, warning that a convention would be "uncontrollable." The resolution advanced out of committee with opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans.

  • The Idaho House of Representatives is expected to vote on the resolution in the coming weeks.
  • Past attempts by Idaho to call for a constitutional convention have previously failed.

The players

John Shirts

A Republican state representative from Weiser, Idaho who is cosponsoring the resolution calling for a constitutional convention.

Josh Tanner

A Republican state representative from Eagle, Idaho who is cosponsoring the resolution calling for a constitutional convention.

Dorothy Moon

The chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party, who testified against the resolution, warning that a constitutional convention would be "uncontrollable."

Ron DeSantis

The former Republican presidential candidate and current governor of Florida, who has visited Idaho to push the state to join the call for a constitutional convention.

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What they’re saying

“As a state, as a sovereign entity ourselves — if you believe in federalism like I do — we do not have to sit idly by and watch the folks in Congress destroy our country, because that's what this will do. We cannot afford to do nothing.”

— John Shirts, Republican state representative

“The Republican National Committee and the ID GOP strongly oppose the convening of a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, for the reason that the risk of loss far exceeds the possibility of gain from such an … uncontrollable proceeding. Let's not use threats. Let's use the election box.”

— Dorothy Moon, Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman

What’s next

The Idaho House of Representatives is expected to vote on the resolution calling for a constitutional convention in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This debate in Idaho highlights the ongoing tensions between state sovereignty and federal power, as well as concerns about the nation's fiscal health. While supporters argue a constitutional convention is needed to rein in the federal deficit, critics warn of the risks of an uncontrollable process that could put the entire Constitution up for change.