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See all articlesRep. Keith Self Introduces Measure to Repeal 17th Amendment
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, is introducing a joint resolution Thursday to repeal the 17th Amendment, according to the Washington Examiner. which obtained a copy of the resolution.
The proposal comes as tensions escalate between House and Senate Republicans over the GOP's flagship voter ID legislation.
If adopted, repealing the amendment would return the selection of senators to state legislatures.
The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, replaced the Constitution's original system under which state legislatures appointed senators.
Supporters of the amendment argued direct elections reduced corruption and legislative deadlocks that had left Senate seats vacant, while advocates of repeal contend the original system better preserved state influence in 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.