II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2303 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 16, 2006 Mr. Baucus introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To ensure that the one half of the National Guard forces of each State are available to such State at all times, and for other purposes.

1.

Ongoing availability to States of minimum National Guard forces

(a)

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)Homeland defense is the most important mission of the Department of Defense. (2)Participating in the fight against terrorism abroad while carrying out homeland defense missions has left the National Guard stretched too thin. (3)The Air National Guard is currently providing more than 50 percent of the airlift capability in the Global War on Terrorism. (4)More than 50 percent of the land combat forces in Iraq are Army National Guard forces, and more than 85 percent of the Army National Guard units available for mobilization for the war in Iraq have been so mobilized. (5)Proposed modifications in the force structure of the Armed Forces could have adverse effects on Army National Guard armories and Air National Guard wings. (6)Army National Guard Brigade Combat Teams and their supporting units in Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington provide trained and disciplined rapid response forces in support of State military and law enforcement requirements. Such support is essential to ensure that each State fulfills its homeland defense, homeland security, and military recruitment responsibilities. (7)The National Guard supports a structure, equipment, and end strength that mirrors the regular components of the Armed Forces and facilitates security missions both abroad and at home, including the response to natural and man-made disasters. (8)Ninety percent of the troops who responded to Hurricane Katrina were members of the National Guard. (9)The end-strength of the National Guard has been reduced by more than 100,000 members and is lower than at any time in recent history even though the National Guard is currently sustaining the highest continuous personnel tempo and operations tempo since World War II. (10)The militia, and the principle of the citizen-soldier protecting our security which it reflects, is one of the foundations of the United States as a nation. (b)

Availability to States of minimum National Guard forces

The forces of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard available to each State at all times shall be equivalent to not less than 50 percent of the aggregate forces of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, respectively, of such State. Upon the request of the Governor of a State, the Secretary of Defense shall transfer Army National Guard or Air National Guard forces to the State in order to ensure that the requirement of this subsection is met.