Rep. Miller Introduces Resolution Affirming Congressional Support for Maintaining a Strong National Guard Service

Press Release

U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) has introduced a Resolution (H.CON.RES.129) in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the 375 years of service of the National Guard and affirming congressional support for maintaining a strong National Guard service. Miller has been a staunch advocate of our National Guard and Reserve units, and last year successfully attached a provision which would allow for the Chief of the National Guard to be included as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Recently, in response to the U.S. Air Force's proposed cuts to the Air National Guard, Miller has been working with her colleagues in Congress to freeze all proposed changes for the following year and require the Air Force to submit a cost benefit analysis of their proposed cuts; this ensuring that the Air Guard is not forced to bear a disproportionate share of the spending cuts. Miller said:

"Maintaining a strong and well equipped Guard has proven to be invaluable to our nation. Our freedom was won in revolution due to the service and sacrifice of the citizen militia, the Minutemen, which have become our Guard. The men and women of our Guard have bravely stood in defense of our freedom; they have shown their dedication to their mission; and the Guardsmen and women, as well as their families, have held their resolve of service with pride.

"I have been working with my colleagues in Congress to not only turn back the draconian cuts to the Air Guard proposed by the Pentagon, but also to find appropriate savings in the Pentagon's budget to pay for saving the units the Department of Defense wanted to eliminate. I was honored to work on the legislation in the House and vote to ensure that our Air Guard, the most effective and efficient part of the Air Force providing 35% of the air capability for 6% of the budget, is not unduly cut or burdened. The House has acted on this issue, followed by the Senate Armed Services Committee, to protect the great American patriots who serve in the Air Guard across the nation. This Resolution offers every member of Congress to go on record with supporting our citizen soldiers and ensuring that these men and women will continue to be supported in meeting their mission."

Jointly introducing H.CON.RES.129 with Miller is Representative Nick Rahall (WV-03), and Co-Chairs of the House National Guard & Reserves Caucus Representatives Tim Walz (MN-01) and Duncan Hunter (CA-52). This week, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Co-Chairs of the Senate National Guard Caucus, will introduce the companion Resolution in the Senate.

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