Idaho House Narrowly Passes Resolution Calling for Constitutional Convention

Critics warn of risks to the U.S. Constitution if a convention is held.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:15am

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The Idaho House of Representatives has narrowly passed a resolution that calls for a never-before-used method of amending the U.S. Constitution to balance the federal budget. The proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 25, has sparked debate among lawmakers about whether a constitutional convention would be a runaway process that risks upending the entire Constitution.

Why it matters

This move by the Idaho legislature highlights the ongoing debate around the use of a constitutional convention to enact changes to the U.S. Constitution. Proponents argue it's a necessary tool to address the federal deficit, while critics warn it could lead to unintended and potentially disastrous consequences for the country's founding document.

The details

The resolution passed the Idaho House on a 36-34 vote, with dozens of Republicans joining all nine House Democrats in opposition. Supporters, like Republican Rep. Josh Tanner, say the federal deficit needs to be addressed and Congress needs to 'do their job.' But several Republican and Democrat lawmakers expressed concerns that the process could risk the entire U.S. Constitution. Republican Rep. Cornel Rasor said he doesn't believe the Constitution could be recreated in today's political environment.

  • The Idaho House passed the resolution on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Past attempts by the Idaho Legislature to call for a constitutional convention have failed.

The players

Idaho House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Idaho state legislature that narrowly passed the resolution calling for a constitutional convention.

Rep. John Shirts

A Republican from Weiser who is cosponsoring the resolution, arguing the intent is to threaten a convention to pressure Congress, not actually call one.

Rep. Josh Tanner

An Eagle Republican and another cosponsor who said the federal deficit needs to be addressed and Congress needs to 'do their job.'

Rep. Cornel Rasor

A Republican from Sagle who expressed doubts that the Constitution could be recreated in today's political environment.

Rep. David Cannon

A Republican from Blackfoot who said he has faith the constitutional convention process will 'turn out' well.

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What they’re saying

“If I could give them the middle finger here on the floor, I would do that — because they are failing my children, my grandchildren, and all of yours.”

— Rep. Josh Tanner, Republican, Eagle

“We do not have the kind of men and women who occupied this country 250 years ago and came together in a momentous time and created what we have today. I do not believe it could even be done again.”

— Rep. Cornel Rasor, Republican, Sagle

“I have faith that it's gonna turn out. But I think it's in there as a tool that we can use. I don't think it's, as some people will tell you, a mistake.”

— Rep. David Cannon, Republican, Blackfoot

What’s next

The Idaho Senate will now consider the resolution passed by the House. If approved, Idaho would become the 21st state to apply for a constitutional convention.

The takeaway

This divisive vote in the Idaho House highlights the ongoing debate over the risks and merits of using a constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution. While proponents see it as a necessary tool, critics warn it could lead to unintended and potentially disastrous consequences for the country's founding document.