S. 1361 would amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the national defense through empowerment of the National Guard, enhancement of the functions of the National Guard Bureau, and improvement of Federal-State military coordination in domestic emergency response.
Detailed Summary
National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2009 - Adds the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Chief) to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Requires the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state military capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for military assistance to civil authorities to address such gaps. Requires annual defense budget documents to specify separate amounts for training and equipment and military construction for the National Guard for military assistance to civil authorities and other domestic operations.
Reestablishes the position of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Directs the Secretary to assure that tactical control of the Armed Forces on duty within a state or possession is vested in the governor thereof when such forces are engaged in a domestic operation, including emergency response.
Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2010 for National Guard: (1) continuity of operations, continuity of government, and consequence management in connection with response to terrorist and other attacks and catastrophes; (2) emergency preparedness and response activities; and (3) staffing of joint operations coordination centers in response to terrorist and other attacks and catastrophes.
States that the United States Northern Command and the United States Pacific Command shall be the combatant commands principally responsible for the military support of civil authorities in the United States. Requires the Commander of each Command and the Chief to enter into a memorandum of understanding setting forth the operational relationships, and individual roles and responsibilities, during responses to domestic emergencies among such Commands and the National Guard Bureau.
Requires the officers serving as Commander of Army North Command and Commander of Air Force North Command to be officers in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, respectively. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in assigning officers to such positions, the President should afford a preference to officers who have served as a state adjutant general.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/25/2009: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
SSGKV
July 1, 2009, 11:27am (report abuse)Isn't there already a process by which the National Guard is utilized in times of national national security crisis, natural disters, etc? Why do we need an amendment to 'streamline' a sytem that is already working fine? It looks more like a bill that will give broader powers to the government to use the military against its own people in the event of civil unrest that could potentially turn violent. In short, it looks like a bill that would undermine state-controlled military membership and give more power to the over-powerful federal government, stripping the governors of their choices in times of crisis or national security. The government should fear the people because the people are supposed to be making the decisions. The goverment is intended to be a reflection of what the people want, not what a handful of people in D.C. decide to do. We need responsibility, not more legislation. Increasing the powers of the federal government will only increase the problem.
a.k.a.
August 10, 2009, 12:39am (report abuse)SSGKV has not done his research -- lazy speculation. The Bill does the reverse. It is sponsored by Sen. Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Bond (R-MO) who have been championing the safeguards that SSGKV fears will be eroded by a bill about the Guard. Leahy and Bond are entirely cognizant of the dangers of military functions in domestic emergencies, and are working hard to reverse the trends. They have been introducing this bill every year since 2006, and the hawks keep voting this bill down in the House. Check either Senator's websites for more.