(Juneau) – The House State Affairs Committee yesterday moved out a resolution by Representative Wes Keller that would request Congress to organize a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of passing a single amendment on the federal debt limit.

The intent of House Joint Resolution 38 is for the United States Congress to seek the approval of a majority of state legislatures before raising the federal debt limit. Keller said committee members did not appear to have a problem with the concept, but were concerned that the request could open the door to a broader constitutional convention.

Keller asked the committee to move the resolution forward with a promise that it will not be advanced further this year. “By moving the measure a true copy of the current version will be available to the public. This will give people an opportunity to review the correct version and decide how we should proceed on the very important issue,” Keller, R-Wasilla, said. “I am willing to work with my fellow legislators to accomplish what is best for Alaskans.”

To confirm Keller’s promise to the committee members, a memo has been sent to the House Rules Committee asking that the resolution not be heard on the floor.