2-17-10 | Senate keeps after states' rights | Salt Lake Tribune

For the second day in a row the Utah Senate sent a message to Washington with a resolution asserting states' rights to govern themselves without broad federal interference.

The Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution -- SJR6 -- saying the federal role is constitutionally limited. Like SCR3, passed initially on Tuesday and finally on Wednesday, the new resolution asserted states' 10th Amendment rights to powers not reserved for the federal government, such as national security. But SJR6 adds references to the 9th Amendment guarantee that rights enumerated in the Constitution don't deny other rights to the people and the Declaration of Independence's assertion that the people are master of their government.

"It's important that Congress get the message that the founding documents of this nation and the amendments to the Constitution should be adhered to so the states can reclaim their power and we can restore sanity to what's going on in Washington," said Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, the resolution's sponsor.

Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan, said federal protection of endangered prairie dogs at the expense of Iron County landowners is one example of the federal government's overreach.

Five Democrats, including one who supported the other states' rights resolution, voted against SJR6 and its unified support from Republicans. Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, supported SCR3 but said one resolution is sufficient.

"I would hope that we're through with these resolutions and might get on with the other business," Romero said.