Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, has introduced a joint resolution Thursday to repeal the 17th Amendment. The proposal comes amid escalating tensions between House and Senate Republicans over the GOP’s flagship voter ID legislation.
If adopted, the resolution would return the selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures. The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, replaced the Constitution’s original system that allowed state legislatures to appoint senators.
Supporters of the amendment argued direct elections reduced corruption and legislative deadlocks that left Senate seats vacant. Advocates for repeal contend reverting to the original system would better preserve state influence within the federal government.
Repealing the amendment would require approval by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
