[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E778-E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NATIONAL GUARD PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC AND SMALL ARMS COMPETITIONS

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2001

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, the Member rises to give a brief 
explanation of H.R. 1705, which will authorize members of National 
Guard units to use appropriated funds to conduct and participate in 
athletic competitions and small arms competitions. This Member 
introduced H.R. 1705 on May 3, 2001.
  The National Guard Competitive Events Program provides National Guard 
members with an opportunity to hone their training-related skills, such 
as running, swimming, and marksmanship, in a competitive atmosphere. As 
the National Guard actively recruits new members, this can be another 
feature in recruitment and retention programs for certain members of 
the National Guard. Through these competitions, National Guard members 
can qualify for higher level national and international competitions, 
including the Pan Am Games and the Olympics.
  Also, National Guard members who compete in athletic and small arms 
competitions can now do so with members of the Active Duty military. 
Bringing Active and Reserve components together in this fashion builds 
better appreciation among the various components and overall force 
cohesiveness.
  Additionally, some of the National Guard-sponsored competitions, 
including the Lincoln Marathon held in this Member's district, are open 
to participation by the entire civilian community for participation. 
The high visibility and the community interaction that such events 
provide is key for continued support for local National Guard units.
  For the National Guard Competitive Events Program to continue to 
thrive, greater funding flexibility must be granted to the National 
Guard units sponsoring competitions and sending members to those 
competitions. Currently, only non-appropriated funds from post 
exchanges and other activities and from competition entry fees can be 
used to cover operating expenses for the events and all health, pay, 
and personal expenses for participating National Guard members. This 
funding system places National Guard members at a disadvantage.
  Unlike Active Duty military personnel who have all health, pay, and 
personal expenses covered while competing, National Guard members are 
not on duty while competing and thus are not covered. For example, if 
National Guard members suffer injuries while competing at the 
marksmanship competition in North Little Rock, Arkansas, they must pay 
for the incurred health costs although they were competing with their 
Guard unit. And, unfortunately, placing National Guard members on 
orders is not a solution to the coverage issue for National Guard 
members placed on active duty cannot compete with their National Guard 
unit's team.
  Mr. Speaker, the distinguished gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. 
Langevin, and this

[[Page E779]]

Member introduced H.R. 1705 to provide the necessary funding 
flexibility. By authorizing the use of appropriated funds in addition 
to the non-appropriated funds, National Guard units face fewer budget 
constraints when hosting competitions and when sending teams and 
individuals into competition. Health, pay, and personal expenses could 
be covered for participants who otherwise might not be able to afford 
costs stemming from physical injuries.
  This bill levels the funding playing field so that National Guard 
units are not at a financial disadvantage when sponsoring competitions 
and participating in these valuable competitions. It should be 
emphasized that the legislation does not create participation 
incentives for National Guard members which are greater than those 
incentives for Active Duty military.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, this Member encourages his colleagues to 
review H.R. 1705 and to favorably consider co-sponsorship and 
legislative action on the measure.

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