HASC Approves Wilson Amendment to Study Legislation to Strengthen National Guard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
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202-468-3258 (C)

May 3, 2006

HASC Approves Wilson Amendment to Study Legislation to Strengthen National Guard

Washington, DC - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), today announced that the Committee approved his amendment to require the National Guard Commission to study the “National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006” (H.R. 5200). The amendment will be included in the FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5122).

“While the National Guard has actively protected American families throughout our nation’s history, today the Guard plays an unprecedented role in the U.S. military. Approximately 40% of our troops bravely fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are members of the National Guard, and their service is a critical component of our military strategy in the Global War on Terrorism. As we demand more from our citizen soldiers, we must revitalize our defense policy to accurately reflect the current responsibilities of the Guard.

“From making the Chief of the National Guard a valued member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to providing the Guard with budgetary powers, H.R. 5200 offers realistic suggestions for strengthening this important branch of our military. I am thrilled that my colleagues agree that the National Guard Commission should seriously study this legislation and take the appropriate steps to move these proposals forward.”

The National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 (HR 5200), sponsored by Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11), would:

? Elevate the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to a four-star position and making the Chief part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

? Give the National Guard the budgetary power to acquire equipment essential to its mission so that the U.S. is better prepared to respond to emergencies.

? Require the Chief of the National Guard to identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to respond to emergencies, and to make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense to address those gaps.

? Mandate that the Pentagon’s budget proposal to specify separate amounts for training and equipment for the National Guard.

? Require the Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command to be a member of the National Guard to ensure that planning at NORCOM better encompasses the interests of the National Guard and the states.

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