Oklahoma Sovereignty Resolution Clears Senate

Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-521-5774

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 13, 2009

Oklahoma Sovereignty Resolution Clears Senate
(For digital audio, go to www.oksenate.gov and select “News”)

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was “elated” after the Senate joined the House in approving House Concurrent Resolution 1028, asserting Oklahoma’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. An earlier legislative attempt by Brogdon to stop the federal government from overstepping its bounds was vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry.
“HCR 1028 will not have to go to the governor—and with its passage today, it will go to straight to President Obama and Congress. We are telling them loud and clear to end all federal mandates that are beyond the scope of powers specifically outlined in the constitution,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso.
Brogdon said under the U.S. Constitution, Congress does have the right to regulate trade, mint money and maintain a navy.
“These functions are clearly outlined and should be handled by the federal government, but the Washington politicians have gone too far. They use the promise of money, or the threats of withholding it, to coerce states into giving up their sovereignty,” Brogdon said.
Brogdon said numerous federal laws, including the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind and federal homeland security requirements are examples of how the federal government has overstepped its powers. He said the federal stimulus program is a particularly alarming example.
“People think, great, this is free money, but I assure you it is not free. We’re creating debt that will impact our children, grandchildren and probably even their grandchildren. Frankly we may never be able to pay off this debt. Furthermore, there are strings attached to these funds,” Brogdon said. “I can assure you, the federal government does not have the authority to dictate Oklahoma’s budget, but that’s exactly what they’re attempting to do.”

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