LEGISLATIVE ALERT #08-12
September 12, 2008
September 12, 2008
The Issue: National Guard Empowerment Act of 2008
Immediate Action Required: Contact your Senators and urge them to support Senate Amendment #5406 to the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) S.3001
On September 11, 2008 Senator’s Leahy (D-VT) and Bond (R-MO), co-chairs of the Senate National Guard Caucus, filed S.2760, the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2008, as an amendment (#5406) to the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) S.3001.
Key provisions of this legislation would: make the Chief of NGB a full member of the Joint Chiefs; formally give NGB the function of working with the states to identify equipment gaps for providing military assistance to civil authorities; rename the directors of the ARNG and ANG as “vice chief’s” for ARNG and ANG; provide adjutant generals with “joint duty” credit; create a “Memorandum of Understanding” with USNORTHERN Command; establish “tactical control” for governors over military forces (including Title 10) operating in their states during emergencies; and establish a number of National Guard “command” positions such as Air Force and Army North.
Empowerment legislation will enable the National Guard to more effectively respond when called by the governor or President. Contact your senators and urge them to strongly support Amendment #5406 to the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which will improve the National Guard’s ability to assist civilian authorities during natural disasters and fully participate in key policy and budget deliberations dealing with homeland defense-equipment. More information on this legislation can be found on our web site www.ngaus.org.
TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION:
By using the “Write to Congress” feature on the NGAUS Web site at www.ngaus.org, you can IMMEDIATELY e-mail your elected representatives. A sample letter is included in our “Write to Congress” feature. You can e-mail the pre-written message or edit the sample letter as you desire. This is the quickest and most effective method of expressing your views to Congress. Also, contact your friends and family and urge them to "Write to Congress" as well. For more in-depth information and background visit our web site at www.ngaus.org. Please direct any questions concerning this issue to Pete Duffy NGAUS Deputy Legislative Director Army Programs Manager at 202-454-5307 or via email: pete.duffy@ngaus.org.
