Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the seventeenth article of amendment.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 25, 2026
Bottom line
This joint resolution seeks to fundamentally alter the method of electing U.S. Senators, shifting power from direct popular vote back to state legislatures.
What it actually does
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote within each state. If ratified by three-fourths of the states, this resolution would revert the method of Senatorial selection to appointment by state legislatures, as originally outlined in Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that repealing the 17th Amendment would restore the original constitutional design, thereby enhancing states' power and giving state legislatures a direct voice in the federal government. They believe it would make Senators more accountable to state governments, fostering a stronger federalist system and potentially curbing federal overreach by ensuring Senators represent state interests as distinct entities.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that repealing the 17th Amendment would disenfranchise American voters, removing their direct say in choosing their Senators and concentrating power in state legislatures, which could be more susceptible to special interests or political maneuvering. They argue that direct election ensures greater accountability of Senators to the people and reduces the potential for corruption or legislative deadlock that historically plagued state legislative appointments.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its explicit proposal within a minute.
Article--
Repeal of the Seventeenth Article of Amendment
This section proposes to entirely eliminate the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people of each state. Its repeal would revert the selection process to the original constitutional method, where Senators were chosen by state legislatures, thereby changing who selects Senators and to whom they are primarily accountable.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this repeal would restore the balance of power between federal and state governments, making Senators more responsive to the interests of state governments as distinct entities rather than just popular opinion. They believe it would strengthen federalism, prevent federal overreach, and ensure states have a direct voice in national policy.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that repealing direct election would diminish democratic accountability, making Senators beholden to state political machines and special interests rather than the general public. They contend it would reduce voter engagement, potentially lead to corruption or legislative deadlocks in state capitols, and undermine the principle of 'one person, one vote' for federal representation.
Tradeoffs
The core tension is between direct democratic representation and the principle of federalism, where states act as distinct political entities with a direct voice in the federal government. It trades voter empowerment for increased state legislative influence, raising questions about which form of representation best serves the nation.