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Wilson Applauds State Defense Force Agreement

May 15, 2008
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2008

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee agreed yesterday afternoon to include language from his bill H.R. 826, the State Defense Force Improvement Act of 2007, as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2009. Congressman Wilson introduced H.R. 826 last year with fellow South Carolinian Rep. John Spratt as an original cosponsor.

"As our National Guard troops are fighting overseas, we must ensure that our states still have the resources and manpower to respond to emergencies here at home," said Rep. Wilson. "That is why I am pleased that the NDAA will include much of the language from the State Defense Force Improvement Act that I introduced last year."

"This bill clarifies and authorizes a stronger relationship between the Department of Defense and state defense forces. Moreover, the equipment provisions authorized in the bill would allow states to backfill supply depots for local emergencies including hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms that have had a major impact on the people of South Carolina. Our state defense forces constitute the most cost-effective deep reserve force that is dedicated entirely to the needs of our state governors."

Background:

  • South Carolina currently has a volunteer, unpaid state guard force of 1,100 troops
  • This amendment to the NDAA:
    • Explicitly recognizes and encourages state defense forces
    • Authorizes the Department of Defense to coordinate and provide training if requested by defense forces
    • Authorizes state defense forces to use DOD property and equipment
    • Allows state defense forces to receive surplus DOD equipment
    • Ensures that the DOD is not responsible for any costs associated with the above provisions

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