BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Governor Brad Little and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appeared together at the Idaho State Capitol to voice support for a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to maintain a balanced budget.
The proposal involves invoking Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows states to call for a constitutional convention to consider amendments. To initiate such a process, two-thirds of state legislatures—34 in total—must approve. So far, 27 states have passed resolutions supporting this effort.
Governor DeSantis cited rising national debt levels and the growing cost of interest payments, now reportedly the second-largest federal expenditure after defense, as reasons for supporting the amendment.
Some critics of an Article V convention have expressed concern that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. Addressing this, DeSantis stated that the current political composition of state legislatures makes major alterations, such as changes to the Second Amendment, unlikely.
He also suggested that if the number of supporting states grows to 32 or 33, Congress may opt to pass similar legislation in order to remain involved in the process.
Governor Little expressed support for the initiative, referencing state-level budget practices. “States like Idaho and Florida operate under balanced budgets not only because it’s constitutionally required, but because it reflects responsible governance,” he said. Little also emphasized the need for action to address federal spending, thanking Governor DeSantis for delivering the message in Idaho.
