Congress Ignores Constitution: $39 Trillion Debt is Proof

The 1789 Constitution, a deliberately limited document, lays the foundation for the American government. The Founding Fathers, educated in classical languages, created a framework to limit governmental power, not to run people's lives. About 20% of the Constitution itemizes what federal and state governments may not do, while only 10% focuses on positive grants of power. The remaining 70% is concerned with the structure of power and how it must be exercised.

The separation of powers was designed as a shield for citizens against the state, not as a mere governing philosophy. This original design has been compromised by Congressional inaction.

The Constitution allows for amendments through two main avenues. The more familiar route involves Congress passing a proposed amendment by at least a two-thirds vote in each chamber, followed by ratification by 38 states. The other, lesser-known route states that if two-thirds of the states (34) apply, Congress shall call a convention to propose amendments.

These amendments still require ratification by 38 states, ensuring that the founding document is not rewritten in an uncontrolled manner.

By 1979, 39 states had active applications for Congress to call an Article V convention to propose a fiscal responsibility amendment, but Congress failed to act. A majority of the 50 states still have active applications that remain in limbo. The Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation (FFSF) has documented this inaction.

The state-created National Federalism Commission confirmed this in September 2025, and its findings were entered into the Congressional Record at a December 2025 hearing. Despite this, Congress has taken no action.

Since 1979, total federal debt has exploded from under $1 trillion to over $39 trillion and continues to rise rapidly. This is the direct consequence of Congressional inaction. The failure of Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty has had a significant financial impact.

This situation underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and adherence to constitutional obligations.

H.Con.Res.15, introduced by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, would call exactly the kind of limited Article V convention the states have been requesting for nearly five decades, focused on a fiscal responsibility amendment. Members of Congress took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Article V doesn’t give them discretion here; calling a convention when 34 states apply is a nondiscretionary duty.

Ignoring it isn’t just bad governance; it’s a breach of constitutional obligation. It’s time to keep the oath.