Thornberry resolves Texas-Okla. border

WASHINGTON, DC – The US House of Representatives Monday afternoon passed H.J. Res. 72, legislation that will ratify the Red River Boundary Compact between Texas and Oklahoma and help put an end to a border dispute that dates back 200 years.

The bill, which was introduced by US Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon), was approved by a voice vote.  The bill establishes the boundary between the states of Texas and Oklahoma as the vegetation line on the south bank of the Red River, which leaves the riverbed itself under the jurisdiction of Oklahoma.

In addition to establishing the boundary between the two states, the measure also ensures that the property, claims, and sovereignty of federally recognized Native American tribes living in the area will not be altered by the Compact in any way.  The legislation is based on the boundary compact was approved last year by the Texas and Oklahoma legislatures and signed into law by Governors Bush and Keating.  If enacted, the Compact will take effect on August 31, 2000.

“One of Congress’ Constitutional duties is to ratify agreements like this between two or more states,” Thornberry said.  “If there’s any one thing that sets this agreement apart, it’s that it’s been so long in coming.  This boundary dispute dates back 200 years and has its roots in the Louisiana Purchase.

“So clearly, this is something that is long overdue and something that will hopefully make things easier for those who live and work in the surrounding area.”

H.J. Res. 72 must now be considered by the Senate.  A date for the vote has not yet been set.