Oklahoma Senate Bill SCR2

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23

Caption

Concurrent resolution; directing the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Defense to not send foreign soldiers to Oklahoma; and encouraging the executive branch and state's law enforcement.

Impact

The resolution calls for the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Defense to reconsider their decision to send foreign soldiers to Oklahoma, emphasizing the state's desire to maintain control over who can operate within its borders. By asserting that any foreign soldier who crosses into Oklahoma should be subject to detainment, the resolution seeks to reinforce the state's stance that federal military activities should not detract from local governance and community safety. This decision is rooted in concerns over the implications of foreign military presence, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions.

Summary

SCR2, introduced by Senators Dahm and Olsen, is a concurrent resolution that addresses concerns regarding the potential stationing of foreign soldiers in Oklahoma for military training purposes. The resolution asserts that the U.S. Congress has not formally declared a war related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising legal and ethical questions about allowing foreign military personnel on American soil. Specifically, the resolution responds to recent announcements by the Pentagon regarding the training of approximately 100 Ukrainian soldiers in Oklahoma, which has provoked significant debate about state sovereignty and safety.

Contention

While proponents of SCR2 argue that it is essential to protect Oklahoma citizens from potential threats arising from foreign military actions, critics of the resolution may view it as an overreach that undermines the collaborative spirit and strategic alliance underpinning U.S. military efforts abroad. The tone of urgency suggests a palpable anxiety about international affairs directly encroaching on state sovereignty, leading to increased polarization in views over military readiness and state versus federal authority in such matters.