Convention of States

In this month's episode, Mike Ruthenberg interviews COS Texas volunteer John van Compernolle. We will discuss his start with Convention of States, his book on Article V, as well as his participation in passing the clean COS Resolution in Texas.  We will discuss the life circumstances that could have derailed John but didn't. Mike is the Executive Grassroots Officer for Convention of States. Book Link: Article V Unleashed by John van Compernolle Take Action

On June 17 the Ohio Senate General Government Committee held a public hearing on COS Action's Article V application for proposing fiscal restraints, limits on federal overreach, and term limits on members of Congress and federal officials. In this episode of COS LIVE, Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters responds to the opponents, a strange coalition ranging from the fringe-right John Birch Society to the Soros-funded Common Cause and even Alan Keyes. Rita also shares the proponent testimony, including constitutional attorney Michael Farris. This resolution has already been adopted in 19 states, with 15 more needed to activate the constitutional threshold. 

The events of this past week prove--more than ever--we need Convention of States NOW. COS President Mark Meckler comes in hot, all engines blazing to deliver a fiery call to action. What does all this have to do with President Trump vs. Elon Musk? Plus, Mark answers your questions. Sign the Petition Sign the Letter to Trump Sign the Letter to Elon Ask Mark Anything

It was no easy feat. On May 8 the Texas legislature eliminated the expiration date for its Convention of States resolution, ensuring the Lone Star State remains at the forefront of the historic Article V movement to unleash liberty in America. Your host Jonathan Viaud interviews the major players who made it possible, including rising star Texas State Representative Cody Vasut, Jose Melendez of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and COS Texas leaders Erika Hatfield and John Van Compernolle.

In this week's episode the President of Convention of States Mark Meckler shares a great website for buying American-made goods. Mark also reacts to historic polling about President Trump, RFK's war on the medical journal industry, what's really going on with the aid centers in Israel, and whether the Democrats' new plan to stay relevant will work.  Ask Mark Anything

A historic event is on the horizon, and Mark Meckler wants you to prepare yourself. After his weekly call to action, Mark reacts to Sec. of State Marco Rubio's smackdown of a U.S. Senator, the double-assassination of Israelis in DC, and much more. Welcome to The BattleCry. Ask Mark Anything

On May 20 constitutional attorney and COS co-founder Michael Farris gave a tour de force performance in defense of Article V and the Convention of States movement. The Ohio House Committee on Government Oversight held a proponents-only hearing for COS Action's Article V application (HJR 2), as well as our 34|Ready bill (HB 67). Farris answered questions from the sometimes-combative legislators and provided expert testimony. Several COS Ohio citizen leaders also provided supporting testimony. Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch provide commentary. After the hearing stream,  Regional Director Catherine Zemanek shares behind-the-scenes information and previews what's next in the process. 

Is it too early to talk about 2028? Will Congress ever rein in the judiciary? What are President Trump's top triumphs? Mark Meckler answers those questions and much more on this week's episode of The BattleCry. Plus, he reacts to leaked footage of Congress members sleeping before taking your questions. Ask Mark Anything

Mark Meckler is fresh off a trip to the White House to deliver an update on the Article V movement, his weekly call to action, thoughts on AOC 2028, and much more. Ask Mark Anything

BREAKING NEWS: On May 8, 2025, the Texas Senate debated and voted on a clean Convention of States resolution with no expiration date. This would be for final passage, as the Texas House had already approved the measure (HJR 98). After Texas plants its flag for liberty, Senior Vice President Rita Peters and Regional Director Jonathan Viaud react to the exciting news. Learn More About Convention of States

She's the bestselling author of "Confessions of a Crappy Christian," proud southerner, homeschool mom, history nerd, and host of The Speakeasy podcast. "The Girl Named Blake" joins us for a one-of-a-kind conversation! 

On May 7 the North Carolina House of Representatives debated and voted upon two pieces of legislation supported by Convention of States Action and sponsored by Rep. Dennis Riddell. COSA's Article V application (numbered H 379, setting the topics for constitutional amendments) as well as its 34|Ready bill (numbered HB 214, governing delegates to an Article V convention) received back-to-back favorable votes. Then, Andrew Lusch recaps the action and previews what's next for COS in North Carolina.

On May 6 the North Carolina House Judiciary 1 Committee held a hearing on COS Action's Article V application. Rep. Dennis Riddell provided an opening statement before taking questions from the committee. After the committee takes a vote, Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch react to the results and preview what's next.

COS Action's Article V application that just passed the Texas House (HJR 98) was scheduled to have its hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee Monday morning. However, a legislative rule appears to have rendered such a hearing unnecessary. After Rita Peters interviews Regional Director Jonathan Viaud for a live update, she provides some breaking news regarding the Convention of States legislation in North Carolina.

In this week's episode of The BattleCry, COS President Mark Meckler reacts to the latest craziness from DOGE, discusses which aspects of the American economy are "doom and gloom" or "boom boom boom," and shares the latest updates on the Convention of States movement before getting to your questions. Ask Mark Anything 

One moment he was a full-time activist, and the next moment he couldn't walk. In this stirring episode of Grassroots Groundbreakers, your host Mike Ruthenberg interviews Stephen Patten, Associate Regional Director with Convention of States Action. Steve shares the inspiring story of Michael Rilee, who can no longer speak but is still finding creative ways to actively support the COS movement. Volunteer with Convention of States COS University

With Ohio still very much in play for Convention of States, the COS LIVE crew is bringing you unaired footage from a March 24 hearing of the Ohio House Government Oversight Committee. This was an introductory legislators-only hearing in which the committee members could ask questions about COS Action's Article V resolution (numbered HJR 2). Tune in to catch all the action and get reaction from Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch, who serve Convention of States as the Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs and a Regional Director respectively

NEWS: On Thursday, April 24, the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs heard public testimony on our Article V legislation, titled SJR 54. This resolution would be a clean COS Action Article V application with no expiration date. Introducing the resolution was Sen. Brian Birdwell, who survived the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and served in the Gulf War. After the hearing, COS Action's Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters and Regional Director Jonathan Viaud provide recap, reaction, and a preview of what happens next in the Lone Star State. Take Action

Mark Meckler goes full William Wallace before diving into the week's wildest headlines. Whoopi Goldberg made the case for self-goverance?? Is Trump the greenest president ever? Then, Mark recaps his week on the road and previews Convention of States at the NRA conference in Atlanta before answering your questions. Welcome to The BattleCry! Open Letter to Musk Article V Outfitters Ask Mark Anything

Ready for some hope? Convention of States President Mark Meckler interviews a trio of COS interns to share their experiences. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Program.

After another week on the road with engaged citizen activists, COS President Mark Meckler reacts to Karoline Leavitt's new press policy, details how he thinks Trump can legally respond to the injunctions issued by federal courts, answers listener questions, and much more. Welcome to The BattleCry.   Elon, Support Convention of States! Ask Mark Anything Article V Outfitters

COS President Mark Meckler cuts through the noise to drop some truth bombs on "SignalGate," tariffs, the economy, breaking news out of Israel, and more. Then, Mark reviews the week's happenings from the Convention of States movement and answers your questions. Ask Mark Anything Shop Convention of States

On April 3 the Montana House of Representatives debated and voted on HJ 5, an application calling for an Article V convention for proposing constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints, jurisdictional constraints, and term limits on federal officials. This resolution has been adopted by 19 states, so far, with 34 needed to call the convention. After the vote, Senior Vice President Rita Peters and Regional Directors Deanna Becket and Andrew Lusch react to the debate, highlight their favorite moments, and preview what's next for the COS Montana team.

Tim Barton, President of Wallbuilders, joins your host Jonathan Viaud to discuss President Trump's plans for the Department of Education, his message to Texas legislators regarding Convention of States, and much more! Join us the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00p ET for such segments as the educational 5 for V, breaking news with COS Now, and the Minuteman Mailbag. Minuteman Mailbag

The original DOGEsters are now against DOGE. What changed? COS President Mark Meckler reacts to the week's top headlines, shares a story from his visit to the Texas capitol, answers your questions, and more. Welcome to The BattleCry. Ask Mark Anything Trump, Support COS Shop COS Swag

How do you create a committed, family atmosphere for your team? In this episode of Grassroots Groundbreakers, your host Mike Ruthenberg interviews Maria Bedard, State Director with Convention of States Maryland. Maria shares proven strategies like "fellowship events" and how she empowers people to do what they love. Mike is the Chief Grassroots Officer for Convention of States. Volunteer with Convention of States COS University

On March 26 the Texas House Committee on State Affairs heard public testimony on HJR 98, a clean Article V application for proposing fiscal restraints, jurisdictional constraints, and term limits on the federal government and its officials. Texas was state #11 to pass COS Action's resolution, but that legislation had an expiration date. HJR 98 would ensure Texas remains at the forefront of the COS movement. After an opening statement by State Representative Cody Vasut, several other locals spoke, including Texas resident Mark Meckler and a representative from the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Opponents also showed up to testify, including reps from the Soros-connected Common Cause and Eagle Forum. After a closing statement from Rep. Vasut, Regional Director Jonathan Viaud reacts to the hearing with Andrew Lusch. They discuss the Texas team's strategy for the hearing and what happens next in the process.

The judiciary is resisting President Trump, but it's no time to panic. COS President Mark Meckler cuts through the noise with his no-nonsense takes on this week's news and provides an update on Convention of States. Then, Producer G takes over Ask Mark Anything. ASK MARK ANYTHING TRUMP, SUPPORT COS SHOP COS

NEWS: The Hawaii Senate Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard COS Action's Article V application on Thursday, March 20. COS President Mark Meckler provided proponent testimony, as did several members of the COS Hawaii team. After the hearing, COS President Mark Meckler and Regional Director Andrew Lusch join the program to respond to the opponents who testified and react to the committee's decision.

Kansas is halfway home towards calling for an Article V convention to rein in the feds, once and for all! On Monday, March 17, the Kansas House Committee on Federal and State Affairs held a public hearing on COS Action's Article V application, which has been adopted by 19 other states. After local supporters expressed their support, Michael Farris provided expert testimony and took questions from the committee regarding the process, the resolution, and outstanding litigation going on in Kansas. Following the hearing, Rita Peters responds to the opponent's questionable claims and interviews Regional Director Deanna Becket to preview next steps. Watch COS LIVE Take Action

Mark Meckler welcomes one and all to America's next Golden Age. Later in the episode, the Convention of States co-founder gives a tough talk on tariffs, previews where you can meet him next, and answers listener questions on a variety of topics. The BattleCry airs Sundays at 8:00p ET on Convention of States Rumble, X, Youtube, and Facebook. Get the Golden Age Tee Trump, Support Convention of States Ask Mark Anything

On March 12, 2025, the Idaho House of Representatives voted on HCR 9 and HCR 10. This was the first time ever that the Idaho House has considered our Article V legislation. First, they debated HCR 9, which is 34|Ready legislation that would set the state's rules for selecting and governing commissioners to an Article V convention. Secondly they debated HCR 10, which contained our Article V resolution calling for a convention to propose amendments that would place fiscal restraints, jurisdictional constraints, and term limits on members of Congress and Federal office. To cap off this episode, co-hosts Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch share their highlights and lowlights from the debate.

On March 11, 2025, the Ohio Senate Committee on General Government held a public hearing on two pieces of legislation sponsored by COS Action: its model Article V application for reining in federal power, as well as a 34|Ready bill that would set the legislature's rules for selecting and governing commissioners to an Article V convention. Sen. Michele Reynolds introduced the legislation and answers questions from the committee. Then, COS Senior Advisor Rick Santorum provides expert testimony. Local supporters with the COS Ohio volunteer team also provided excellent proponent testimony. After the hearing concluded, Senior Vice President Rita Peters and Regional Director Andrew Lusch react and preview what's next.

Mark Meckler reacts to President Trump's barnburner of a speech as held before a joint session of Congress, but he wonders what the heck is going on with Gaza, the Epstein Files, and the Democrat Party. Mark finishes off the show with an update on his travels and answers listener questions. Ask Mark Anything Open Letter to Trump

Texas was state #11 to successfully pass our Article V application, but there's a catch. In this edition of COS at Home, Texas State Representative Cody Vasut joins the program to discuss what must happen this year in order for Texas to remain at the forefront of the Convention of States movement. Host Jonathan Viaud also spends five minutes educating listeners about the leaders of the Convention of States movement, reacts to the latest episode of COS Now, and much more. COS at Home airs on the first Monday of each month. Minuteman Mailbag

In the eleventh-hour, the Wyoming House debated and voted on Convention of States Action's Article V application on Friday night, Feb. 28. State Director Julie Baker and Regional Director Deanna Becket join the show to react to the results and give a call to action. Then, listen in as legislators debate the resolution and take a vote. Take Action COS LIVE Video Version

Mark Meckler is back from a busy week on the road. In this episode, he reacts to the "Epstein dump" dud, foreign visits to the White House, the latest Convention of States news, and caps off the show with Ask Mark Anything. Welcome to The BattleCry. Ask Mark Anything Trump, Support COS

On Thursday, February 27, the Rhode Island House Committee on State Government and Elections heard public testimony on HR 5385 (COS Action's Article V application for a convention for proposing constitutional amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the size and jurisdiction of the federal government, and impose term limits on members of Congress and other federal officials). Local supporters made their voices heard, as well as Regional Director Haley Shaw. A vote is expected at a later date.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Kansas Senate voted on COS Action's Article V application to rein in federal power, impose fiscal restraints, and propose term limits for Congress and federal officials. Despite the Kansas Constitution's two-thirds rule for Article V resolutions, the Senate successfully passed the measure by a 29-11 vote. This exceeds the two-thirds threshold and marks the first time that the COS Action resolution has been successfully adopted by the Kansas Senate. Regional Director Deanna Becket and Senior Vice President Rita Peters react to this historic victory for the COS Kansas team, and they also preview what's next in the Kansas legislature.

On Wednesday, February 26, the Kansas Senate debated SCR 1604 (COS Action's Article V application). After some introduction from Regional Directors Andrew Lusch and Deanna Becket, the episode goes to the playback of the debate. State senators discussed the resolution and voted on various amendments to the resolution. In the end, the Senate advanced the resolution on a voice vote to Third Reading. The Senate is expected to take a final vote on the resolution on February 27.

The Nebraska Committee on Government, Military and Veterans Affairs heard public testimony on LR14, a resolution that would remove the expiration date for Convention of States in Nebraska. The Unicameral originally passed COS Action's Article V resolution in 2022, making it the 17th state to join the movement.

In this episode of COS LIVE, Rita Peters and Andrew Lusch introduce a vote in the Iowa House State Government Committee from Wednesday, Feb. 26. The committee interrupted its proceedings with an unscheduled caucus, so Andrew and Rita took that opportunity to give a national update for Convention of States as well as sharing terrific educational content regarding Article V. They comment on several videos, including previously-unreleased recording from the New Hampshire committee's vote on COS and the introduction of COS in Ohio from earlier this morning. The committee eventually voted 13-10 to advance COS Action to the Iowa House floor for debate. Regional Director Catherine Zemanek joined the broadcast to comment on the victory and preview what happens next.

On Feb. 25, 2025, the Wyoming House Education Committee heard public testimony on SJ1 (COS Action's Article V Resolution). In this episode of COS LIVE, Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters gives an update on our legislative activity in Wyoming and nationwide. Then, the hearing begins with an introduction from the sponsor, opponent testimony, and proponent testimony. COSA Senior Advisor Rick Santorum provided expert testimony. After comments from the legislators, the committee voted to advance the resolution to the House floor for a final vote.   SJ1 reads: "The Legislature of the State of Wyoming hereby applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the several states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress." This resolution has been successfully passed by 19 other states. Two-thirds of the states are required to call an Article V convention.

Did you know that regular, dynamic calls can enliven a volunteer team? In this month's episode of Grassroots Groundbreakers, Mike Ruthenberg interviews Denah Butts, who is a State Director with Convention of States Florida. Denah shares what has been working for the Florida team, including the structure of their calls and how she keeps attendees engaged. Mike is the Chief Grassroots Officer for Convention of States. Volunteer with Convention of States COS University

On Tuesday, February 18, a subcommittee of the Iowa House Committee on State Government heard public testimony on our Article V application for a convention to propose amendments that would impose fiscal restraints, limits on the size and jurisdiction of the federal government, and term limits on Congress and federal officials. After Senior Vice President Rita Peters previews the hearing, local Convention of States supporters testify before the committee and the committee votes. Then, Regional Director Catherine Zemanek and Assistant Regional Director Karen Schuster joins Rita to react to the results. COS LIVE Take Action

On February 17 the Idaho House Committee on Judiciary, Rules, and Administration held a public hearing on our Article V application (HCR 10) to rein in federal power as well as our 34Ready bill (HCR 9) which would set the procedural rules for selecting and guiding commissioners to an Article V convention. Rick Santorum provided expert testimony. Providing commentary are Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Rita Peters and Regional Directors Catherine Zemanek and Andrew Lusch. After a debate among the legislators and a series of motions, the committee ultimately advanced both pieces of legislation to the House floor by a vote of 8-7 with "do-pass" recommendations. Learn More About 34Ready COS LIVE

COS President Mark Meckler returns to ponder the Left's new strategy of defending government waste and abuse. Later in the program, he shares his favorite video and his favorite speech of the week. Both involve President Trump's recently-confirmed cabinet picks.  Ask Mark Anything

Mark Meckler and Rick Santorum recently gave a talk before a group of South Dakota activists. Mark shares the outlook for the 2025 legislative sessions regarding Convention of States and declares that we should not leave the fight over term limits or fiscal restraints to be left to the next generation. Then, Sen. Santorum shares why he thinks the D.C. swamp is worse than it's ever been.

In this episode Steve Deace (BlazeTV host, film producer, and#1 bestselling author) joins us for a high-octane edition of COS at Home! Regional Director Jonathan Viaud covers the latest COS news and education with help from the grassroots. Plus, a new campaign to get Elon Musk's attention. Minuteman Mailbag

On February 4, 2025, the South Dakota House debated and voted on SJR 502 (COS Action's Article V Resolution). The South Dakota Senate had previously approved the legislation by a strong majority. After a disappointing result, Regional Directors Andrew Lusch and Deanna Becket give their live reaction and a call to action. SJR 502 is a resolution "applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials."

On February 3, 2025, the Kansas Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs held public hearing on COS Action's Article V application for imposing fiscal restraints, jurisdictional constraints, and term limits on federal officials. COS co-founder Michael Farris gave expert testimony. Afterwards, Rita Peters and Deanna Becket react and detail what's next. COS LIVE