Each U.S. governor, as well as those from several territories, have signed a letter opposing the Department of Defense (DOD)’s plan to move state National Guard units to the U.S. Space Force.
Governors Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Ron DeSantis (R-FL) wrote separate letters opposing the matter.
In a letter to DOD Secretary Lloyd Austin, the governors wrote that the plan “disregards gubernatorial authorities regarding the National Guard and undermines over 100 years of precedent as well as national security and military readiness.”
“For over a century, Title 10 and Title 32 of U.S.C have upheld gubernatorial authority over the National Guard,” they added. “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 effectively 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.”
Abbott said the plan is a “power grab.”
“The U.S. Department of the Air Force should retract Legislative Proposal 480. Instead of attempting such a power grab in Congress, the U.S. Department of the Air Force should work with the affected governors to build up the Space Force in a way that is consistent with federal law,” he wrote.
DeSantis wrote in his letter opposing the measure that because Florida is “a low-lying, storm-prone state, Florida is uniquely vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding that require significant, operationally ready logistics and disaster support, including from our National Guard units.”
“This legislative proposal weakens that guarantee and sidesteps the authority of the Governor to ensure Floridians are prepared and protected to address whatever domestic emergencies may arise, especially as we approach another hurricane season,” he added.
