Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: May 13, 2009
Sen. Randy Brogdon
Oklahoma Sovereignty Resolution Clears Senate
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 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 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.”
For more information contact:
Sen. Brogdon's Office - 405-521-5566
