DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds joined 52 governors representing states, commonwealths, and territories in opposition to Legislative Proposal 480 submitted by the Department of Defense to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The proposed legislation, LP 480, would unilaterally move covered Air National Guard units to the newly established U.S. Space Force. The National Governors Association letter, signed by 52 of the 53 members, argues that the proposal disregards gubernatorial authorities regarding the National Guard and undermines over 100 years of precedent as well as national security and military readiness.
The letter reads in part:
“For over a century, Title 10 and Title 32 of U.S.C. have upheld gubernatorial authority over the National Guard. National Guard assets are critical components of states’ and territories’ responses to crises. Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to protect operational readiness and America’s communities.
“Legislation that sidesteps, eliminates or otherwise reduces Governors’ authority within their states and territories undermines longstanding partnerships, precedence, military readiness and operational efficacy. This action also negatively affects the important relationships between Governors and DOD at a time when we need to have full trust and confidence between the two to meet the growing threats posed by the era of strategic competition as well as natural disasters. LP480 also poses a threat to the careers of state-based service members who will be forced to choose between state service or continuing in their current field at a time when there are already significant recruitment challenges. An action like this will violate the trust of the brave women and men who have volunteered to serve our states and our nation.”
Read the letter below:
National-Governors-Association-LP480-4.29.24
