Does the U.S. Constitution matter? It should.

In their wisdom, founders created National Guard units in the states. Their purpose was to protect the homeland, their state in particular, and to be a backup should a foreign power overcome our national military.

During the Vietnam War, when conscription was still in place, National Guard troops were on standby in the United States. Now, the federal government is calling up the National Guard to fight in undeclared wars across the globe.

That’s unconstitutional.

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed the Defend the Guard Act Monday to ensure men and women serving in the Oklahoma National Guard are only deployed as directed by the United States Constitution.

Senate Bill 135 would prohibit any member of the Oklahoma National Guard from being released into active duty combat unless Congress has declared war or issued a call for a specific purpose related to executing the laws of the union, repelling an invasion or suppressing an insurrection. 

Dahm said this bill is strongly supported by Oklahoma National Guard members and their families.

“As commander in chief, President Trump has called for bringing our troops home from foreign wars and shores,” Dahm said. “I hope this year the Oklahoma legislature will follow this directive from our commander in chief and work to bring our troops home and return to a constitutional framework on wars.”

The Oklahoma National is not afraid of a fight. If needed, they are willing to risk their lives abroad to protect our nation or our interests.

But Congress needs to follow the rules and the Constitution. Dahm’s SB135 should pass unanimously when the Oklahoma Legislature convenes in February.