[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    GUARDIANS OF FREEDOM ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2011

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise on behalf of all of West 
Virginia's National Guard and proudly introduce the Guardians of 
Freedom Act of 2011--a bill to elevate the Chief of the National Guard 
Bureau to a position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  The National Guard is one of our Nation's longest standing 
institutions, empowered by Congress and providing to the States a 
highly trained and well equipped force to protect life and property.
  Over the course of its nearly four hundred year history, the National 
Guard has remained a dual State-Federal force, providing security on 
the home front and fighting threats to our Nation and our freedoms all 
over the globe.
  Our National Guardsmen are true American patriots. Theirs is a proud 
story of tradition, service, sacrifice, and uncommon acts of heroism. 
They make each of us so very proud.
  Aristotle said, ``Men acquire a particular quality by constantly 
acting a particular way . . . you become just, by performing just 
actions . . . brave by performing brave actions.''
  The American people owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our nearly 
500,000 men and women members of the National Guard in service to these 
great United States. These extraordinary individuals maintain the 
Guard's multi-mission role--providing nearly 33 percent of America's 
combat power globally. Yet, simultaneously and with great skill, from 
approximately 3,400 community-based armories they serve their fellow 
citizens in defense of our homeland, and in support to States and local 
civil authorities and emergency response needs.
  West Virginians volunteer for the National Guard at nearly double the 
national rate. The West Virginia National Guard has 38 units and 
activities stationed in 22 counties throughout West Virginia, and 
currently has units deployed in military operations around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, for 35 years I have been privileged to represent the 
people of southern West Virginia, and it is with humble sincerity I 
say, our West Virginia National Guard is a model example of a 
commitment to excellence, and professional dedication to America's 
defense.
  From the home front to the front lines, we call upon our National 
Guard to fulfill missions of public safety and security on and between 
our borders here at home, and send them to foreign lands to combat 
terrorism abroad. They are among the first called to aid in a domestic 
disaster and have oftentimes been the last to leave a battlefield.
  This year the National Guard will mark its 375th birthday. Formed as 
colonial militias, the new colonies in North America depended upon the 
Guard to protect fellow citizens from Indian attack, foreign invaders, 
and later to help achieve our independence. Recognizing the militia's 
role for the newly formed United States, the Framers of the 
Constitution empowered Congress to provide for training and equipping 
the militias.
  Since the Guard's founding and through an historic journey of ``call 
outs'' and stand out missions--from the bayou communities ravaged by 
Hurricane Katrina to the frontiers of freedom during the Cold War--our 
National Guard has seen its Federal mission change.
  Our National Guard has a duty and commitment to the citizens and 
communities of the States in which these soldiers call ``family'' and 
``home.'' It is a military service tradition that has been challenged 
by long-term and multiple deployments to front lines in two active 
theaters, and in support of missions in all corners of the globe as 
directed by our Nation's Commander in Chief.
  Therefore, it is not only our duty, it is an absolute necessity, that 
Congress take action to elevate the Chief of the National Guard Bureau 
to a position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to serve as an advocate and 
liaison for the National Guard of each State to inform of all actions 
that could affect their Federal or State missions.
  In a nation such as ours, it is a stunning reality that today we ask 
our brothers and sisters, husbands, and wives to serve around the globe 
to preserve democracy and promote freedom. But in our country, where 
every voice counts, our Nation's active duty leadership excludes the 
voice of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
  Congress must ensure the National Guard has appropriate input during 
the planning and budgetary process within the Department of Defense, 
and end the challenge to live with ``after-the-fact'' process, as is 
now the case.
  As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of the National 
Guard Bureau would have responsibility and authority to advocate and 
coordinate the Guard's warfighting support and force provider mission 
with its homeland security and support missions to ensure the Guard has 
the resources to perform its multiple missions and fulfill its 
Constitutional role to our States.
  Mr. Speaker, from the battlefield to the home fields, our National 
Guard--America's patriots--exemplifies sacrifice and commitment to 
duty.
  Now more than ever, this Nation is relying upon the Guard to wage 
combat on foreign soil, straining our resources here on the home front 
to respond to domestic disasters and the Guard's traditional duties. 
The training, equipping, and deployment of the Guard, and their budget, 
ought to be matters decided with input from the National Guard Chief at 
the highest levels of the military echelon. Now more than ever, the 
Guard needs a seat at the head table.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Guardians for Freedom Act of 
2011. We have a responsibility to respectfully and gratefully fulfill 
our duty to support the original intent of our Constitution for each 
State to maintain an organized militia with integrity, and effectively 
support and acknowledge the great sacrifice so many willingly make for 
all of us.

                          ____________________