Montana Legislature urges repeal of Seventeenth Amendment to restore state senator selection

The House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss House Joint Resolution 25, which proposes a significant constitutional amendment regarding the selection of U.S. Senators. The resolution urges Montana's congressional delegation and all members of Congress to consider repealing the Seventeenth Amendment, which allows for the direct election of senators by the public.

The discussion began with a presentation emphasizing the historical context of the Seventeenth Amendment, which was ratified in 1913. The speaker argued that the original framers of the Constitution intended for state legislatures to select senators, thereby ensuring that states had a direct voice in the federal government. This system, they argued, maintained a balance of power and protected individual rights.

Key points raised included the historical issues of deadlock among state legislatures in selecting senators, which sometimes left states without representation for extended periods. Additionally, the speaker highlighted concerns about corruption and bribery that plagued state legislatures prior to the amendment's ratification. The narrative included a historical reference to William Clark, a prominent figure in Montana's history, who allegedly used bribery to secure his position as a senator.

The speaker contended that the Seventeenth Amendment has led to increased partisanship and a concentration of power in Washington, D.C., diminishing the role of states in the federal system. They argued that restoring the original selection method would reinvigorate the relationship between state governments and the federal government, encouraging senators to prioritize state interests over national political agendas.

The resolution itself outlines a proposed amendment that would repeal the Seventeenth Amendment and reinstate the selection of senators by state legislatures. It specifies that each state would have two senators, serving six-year terms, similar to the original provisions of the Constitution.

During the meeting, a correction was noted regarding the attribution of a quote from Federalist No. 10, clarifying that it was authored by James Madison, not Alexander Hamilton.

In conclusion, the committee's discussion on House Joint Resolution 25 reflects a significant push to reconsider the structure of U.S. Senate elections, aiming to restore state influence in federal governance. The resolution will be forwarded for further consideration, with potential implications for the future of political representation in Montana and beyond.