Idaho House Republicans want Congress to amend Constitution

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By Associated Press

Summary

This resolution, meant to send a symbolic message, is the latest initiative to make its way through the Idaho Legislature this year aimed at upbraiding Washington, D.C.

Story Published: Mar 19, 2010 at 4:27 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 4:27 PM PST

BOISE (AP) - House Republicans have joined lawmakers in other states who want Congress to amend the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as its interstate commerce clause, to limit federal government encroachment on states' rights.

This resolution, meant to send a symbolic message, is the latest initiative to make its way through the Idaho Legislature this year aimed at upbraiding Washington, D.C.

Rep. Lynn Luker, a Boise Republican, told lawmakers, "What we're trying to do here is to get back to the basis of the Constitution."

Friday's vote came down 46-16, with Democrats panning it as yet another bit of GOP grandstanding.

The Senate now gets to consider the matter.

Numerous states have been asserting rights under the 10th Amendment this year, part of what some perceive as a groundswell of dissatisfaction with national leaders amid the economic downturn.

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