NETWORK INDIANA _ The Senate voted 32-18 in favor of a convention to consider amendments to rein in the federal government. Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) contends the government has used its taxing power and its authority over interstate commerce to expand federal power over the states far beyond what the founders envisioned, and argues that shift won’t be solved by sending different representatives to Washington — he says a Constitutional amendment is the only remedy left.

House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) is sponsoring the resolution in the House. If the House passes it, 33 more states would have to go along to make a convention happen.

Milltown Senator Richard Young was the only Democrat to support the proposal. Six Republicans joined the other 12 Democrats in voting no.

Opponents warn a convention could careen out of control, with amendments on any topic. Senators attempted to head off that possibility with a companion bill declaring any Hoosier delegate‘s vote on any topic other than the tax and commerce clauses is void.