For Immediate Release: May 4, 2010

Senate Gives Final Approval to ‘Freedom of Healthcare Choice Act’;
Measure Authorizes Use of Private Attorneys to Fight Obamacare

In a move Sen. Randy Brogdon said was designed to protect the sovereignty of Oklahoma, the full Senate gave its approval Tuesday to House Joint Resolution 1054. Brogdon, R-Owasso, is the principal Senate author of the “Freedom of Healthcare Choice Act,” which is authored by Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, in the House.

“This legislation does three things. It would prevent the federal government from forcing any Oklahoman to participate in any health care system. It would also prohibit the federal government from dictating how doctors choose to care for their patients,” Brogdon said. “Finally, the measure authorizes the leaders of the Legislature to hire outside council to represent Oklahoma in a lawsuit to prevent Obamacare from being forced on our state.”

Debating for the measure, Brogdon pointed out numerous problems in countries that have socialized medicine, including unreasonable waiting periods for treatment, rationing of medical care and even refusal to cover some procedures and medications.

“I believe Oklahomans should have the freedom to choose their own healthcare and insurance plans—and I believe if we have to go to court to fight for that right then we should. Unfortunately our Attorney General has refused to stand up for the people of this state and has declined to file suit,” Brogdon said. “HJR 1054 authorizes our Pro Tempore and Speaker to hire outside counsel. The good news is that we already have outside attorneys that have volunteered to take this case pro bono.”

The measure was approved by the Senate, but the emergency clause, which would have allowed the bill to become law immediately upon the governor’s signature, was not. If a vote to reconsider the emergency clause does not occur within three legislative days, the measure will proceed to the governor in its current form. If approved by the governor, it would become law 90 days after Sine Die (final) adjournment of the Legislature.

For more information, contact:
Sen. Brogdon: (405) 521-5566