[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6379829,"mediaKeyId","2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db","parentId",2135142,"title","New Hampshire committee hears competing arguments over draft registration repeal and 'defend the guard' bill","audioSeconds",598,"startMs",1734000,"endMs",2332000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db&start=1734&end=2332","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db/thumbnail_1734000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6379829/New-Hampshire/New-Hampshire-committee-hears-competing-arguments-over-draft-registration-repeal-and-defend-the-guard-bill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6379829-2583aaf4026bf1626cdb1b0c9b451745/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201123&Signature=SrtvAkBYyzuE-YN9qqtvALH5dFJSfN0kPw~BJrRyEMV7vRlAdivH44aXI0H~ytPJGFMldLHlQtN0jgauRZUhSFiJ4-3es3AdL5PetdksXTGcEAVKLCWVzhV2zGgGM~4K9KUJ~zXcQYygbsZX6UifGzYy~bBPxkWcEdudVW8tDIV~VNOHNThT1y7KBuk7YKSKSbhWtwVX9p9IE-9PkS9gYo1SnTCyDA~1GB~o7K4TL4tV8OwfgANgZ-VAPHdrFSy8Po3~QRiKAfJZqhYsJt8S9aXsGoreY4N0gOLBL6PaC2i-j6vOYZMCoTnMvlMJxSOKevyvvL0i5tO1PFHiH6ZSdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","NH House of Representatives Committee","date","2025-01-17T00:00:00Z","article","CONCORD — Members of the New Hampshire House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee heard two hours of testimony on competing measures that would change how the state responds to federal draft requirements and to presidential calls for National Guard deployments.

At a Jan. 1 committee hearing, Representative Tom Mannion (Hillsborough 1) introduced HB 55, a bill to repeal state penalties that restrict eligibility for certain state employment and higher-education benefits when a male resident fails to register with the federal Selective Service. Mannion and other supporters argued the state penalty is an unnecessary barrier for jobs and schooling while opponents, including Major General David Michalaitis, the Adjutant General, said maintaining state compliance supports veteran services and the state\u000027s relationship with federal military authorities.

HB 104, presented later in the session by the same sponsor, would bar deployment of New Hampshire National Guard units to foreign combat zones unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Supporters said the measure would force the constitutional check on the executive branch and prevent what they described as open-ended or poorly defined foreign missions. Opponents warned of practical risks, including loss of federal funding, equipment reallocation, and diminished operational readiness.

Why it matters: Backers framed both bills as efforts to restore constitutional accountability on war decisions and to remove state-level penalties tied to draft registration. Opponents argued the measures would interfere with long-standing federal–state force arrangements, jeopardize training and equipment kept in New Hampshire, and put the governor and state in conflict with federal law.

Key points from testimony

- Constitutional and policy arguments: Supporters, including veterans and policy advocates, urged the committee to press the question of whether congressional approval should be required before governors\u000027 troops are moved overseas. They cited the War Powers debates and the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) as examples of congressional practice that they say has allowed extended foreign operations without full congressional war declarations.

- Federal–state readiness and funding: The adjutant general, Major General Michalaitis, told the committee that the National Guard is the operational reserve for the Army and Air Force and that many major assets and salaries are federally funded. He warned that changes to state law could place federal funding and mission assignments at risk and that moving high-value assets and missions between states is a real operational response the Department of Defense could take if a jurisdiction refused to cooperate.

- Veterans and civic testimony: Veterans and veterans\u000027 organizations offered opposing views. Some described the human cost of extended deployments and urged the committee to block what they called \"forever war\" by demanding congressional declarations. Others, including former military officers and active-duty family members, stressed readiness, training and the consequences of diminished federal support.

What the bills would (and would not) do

- HB 55 would repeal state-level restrictions that now make failure to register for federal Selective Service a disqualifier for some state jobs and for certain state-related benefits. The bill does not change the federal Selective Service requirement itself, which remains enforced by federal statute.

- HB 104 would add a state requirement that New Hampshire not permit National Guard members to be deployed overseas in combat unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war. The measure is expressly aimed at Title 10 federal activations; Title 32 state activations (for state emergencies) would be unaffected.

Process and next steps

Committee members heard more than two dozen people during the public hearing, including state lawmakers, the adjutant general, veterans\u000027 group representatives, and citizens. Committee chair Representative Mike Moffett said the panel planned to schedule executive session consideration and a possible vote the following week.

Discussion points to watch

- Fiscal risk claims: State staff and some witnesses pointed to a fiscal note that warned of potential federal funding impacts; supporters countered that similar legislation elsewhere did not produce the funding losses that opponents predicted. Committee members signaled they will seek clarification from federal- and state-level budget offices before acting.

- Legal and practical remedies: Several witnesses suggested alternative approaches\u000024\u000024such as pressing Congress to repeal or revise AUMFs, or launching coordinated multi-state efforts\u000024\u000024that could address constitutional concerns without risking readiness.

Current status: Both measures were heard by the committee. No final votes were taken at the hearing; the committee chair said executive session and possible action were planned for the next scheduled meeting.

Sources: Committee hearing transcript; testimony from Representative Tom Mannion, Major General David Michalaitis, Kevin Grady (State Veterans Advisory Committee), and a range of veterans and residents who testified to the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/17/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","CONCORD \u00002D Members of the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony on two bills that would change New Hampshire\u000027s posture on draft-registration penalties and overseas National Guard deployments.","taxTitle","State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs, House of Representatives, Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",17767,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6379823,"Committee hears briefings on veterans services, cemetery, veterans home and VA care in New Hampshire",829,3767000,4596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db&start=3767&end=4596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db/thumbnail_3767000.jpg","/articles/6379823/New-Hampshire/Committee-hears-briefings-on-veterans-services-cemetery-veterans-home-and-VA-care-in-New-Hampshire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6379823-32e0d7789e928bb374e4dee2adab1c3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201123&Signature=fu5vxfPoO4uFkk41bwv4u-LTrDivKiA1gAkigxkJ~uPi2QYvhhfwbpCFVwXdWuQ3BlmJAbqZ12tiG0PsPgSGYK29mPzBqghyg53dEL~YSuFwdvPQgmwR9D1VCWh0jWZEmOO~NHfTKMuDvXKJv7~7DG-pilQgmB1-QXfgH0b74ozm~r3NnqAswRD6UVntnhShCT4IJNJqeuu8jQiGlGzqRuIU6OQYyUfv-gah7jtntMVsIjRQFNDQr27qgsJAyC23EagC-J0fTKsOROWTngEPhb3Sv1BH7SLHXWu18W3rbBLqAkP7gTTiBHbxCJbbiVZNPjBHws-HXso0ZLChtK23gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CONCORD — The State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee heard a series of briefings on state and federal veterans services, including claims assistance, cemetery eligibility, long-term care for veterans and VA health care access.

Division of Veterans Services

William Goudreau, director of the New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services, told the committee the state office helps veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He said the division had about 9,000 active clients and credited service officers and partner organizations for helping veterans secure roughly $100 million in federal benefits in the prior year. He outlined the division\u000027s statewide presence, with service officers located in Portsmouth, Nashua, Manchester, Concord, Keene and the North Country.

New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery

Sean Buck, director of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, described eligibility and services, noted a recent change expanding eligibility for some National Guard and Reserve members, and said the cemetery\u000027s visitor programs, outreach and volunteer opportunities are active. Buck said dependents remain eligible and that the cemetery planned an expansion of columbarium and ground cremation spaces funded through federal Veterans Cemetery Grants.

New Hampshire Veterans Home

Commandant Kim McKay and operations chief Brian Baker briefed the committee on the New Hampshire Veterans Home\u000027s operations, census and staffing. They said the licensed facility is budgeted for 225 beds and licensed for 250 but that staffing shortages have limited census and required recruitment and training programs for licensed nursing assistants. McKay outlined recent capital improvements, energy-saving projects and plans for a 20-bed addition focused on larger (bariatric) rooms and improved infection control.

Manchester VA Medical Center

Julie Vos, associate director of the VA Manchester Healthcare System, summarized the medical center\u000027s sites, telehealth expansion and programs for veterans. She noted an enrollment milestone (30,000 veterans enrolled) and described hospital partnership programs and a community navigator effort intended to connect hospitalized veterans with ongoing VA care. Vos also discussed access, a growing telehealth workload, and new patient-facing programming.

Division of Community-Based Military Programs and SVAC

Brent Frazier, of the division of community-based military programs, and Leo Paquin and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee (SVAC) reviewed outreach, veteran employment and homelessness initiatives, and partnerships that support veteran-friendly employers and training. Frazier described the state\u000027s veteran-friendly business network, suicide-prevention and regional coalition work to reduce homelessness.

Why it matters: Committee members said they relied on the briefings to prepare for legislation affecting veterans\u000027 benefits, cemetery policy, facility capital projects and state coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Source: Committee hearing transcript; testimony and handouts from Division of Veterans Services, New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, New Hampshire Veterans Home, VA Manchester and the Division of Community-Based Military Programs.","Committee members received updates on veterans benefits and services from the state Division of Veterans Services, New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery and Veterans Home, Manchester VA Medical Center, and the state's community-based military programs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6379826,"Adjutant General outlines force size, missions and community programs for New Hampshire National Guard and Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services",348,1898000,2246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db&start=1898&end=2246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2135142-b5ad21c5c7f9d2d42e8febb4fa6407db/thumbnail_1898000.jpg","/articles/6379826/New-Hampshire/Adjutant-General-outlines-force-size-missions-and-community-programs-for-New-Hampshire-National-Guard-and-Department-of-Military-Affairs-and-Veteran-Services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6379826-2dde211843c584a76d287c0a4bb6338f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201123&Signature=HDlFoEoqaD1afscVJXp3xvYuLEXTtcfeK0fWh6RdLn69fRYbC3CRsTCEcbPElkdpGpPbRon0IjE~lvvzFJ1jDbwKtxTmI9oN4XOYAyaz3jb-mdr5Qr1AJ2W4IEqkZtwhX8FidpfQnu9qYlTIfi51VoOajV1XoXq8ygf0oHNfBL1wBhdqvYwi0svtg98MYXIyjQdOQNbBc4Pi41X4mr-uzjoYBZ68bF8Gdx1tBL71zmBPeYfUxZlzg-t3k6adXr4bpu~XfIGy17otve36twE9-Lru74EhEZxJgXbAIzZa5RDwAykgGjFZhAWFf3Mq~Czc88-6IUk9iFpwLUcpgRoU5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CONCORD — Major General David Michalaitis, the Adjutant General and commissioner of the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, told the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs committee that the New Hampshire National Guard and the department operate a mix of defense and community programs and that many Guard programs are federally funded.

Michalaitis said the New Hampshire National Guard totals roughly 3,000 personnel, split between air and army components, and that many units train on high-value systems. He noted the state\u000027s air component operates a KC-46 refueling wing, one of a small number of modern refuelers in the Air National Guard and the only KC-46 unit in the country, and that the Guard fields Army assets including a HIMARS artillery unit.

He described the Guard\u000027s dual mission: as the governor\u000027s force for state emergencies and as the federal reserve that the Department of Defense can activate for overseas operations. Michalaitis said many Guard salaries, maintenance and capital investments are federally financed, and that equipment and operational funding are allocated through the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Defense.

Community programs and recruitment

Michalaitis outlined education and recruiting incentives he said attract new recruits: the state-provided tuition waiver for the University System of New Hampshire and community college system is the most frequently cited enlistment benefit, and many Guardsmen use that waiver while serving. He also described community outreach programs such as STARBASE, a DoD-funded STEM education program for fifth graders, and Innovative Readiness Training events that use military medical and dental teams to provide health services to local communities.

Readiness, recruiting and retention

The adjutant general told the committee the Air National Guard is fully staffed, while the Army National Guard had a vacancy rate around 10 percent at the time of testimony; he said recruiting is recovering after a post-COVID dip but retention of first-term enlistees remains the largest challenge. He described state-level retention bonuses and a policy that allows service members to transfer the state\u000027s tuition waiver to a spouse as examples of efforts to retain troops.

Why it matters: Michalaitis framed the Guard as a state resource and a national force. Committee members pressed him about how state law changes could affect the Guard\u000027s federal relationships, funding and the state\u000027s ability to respond to emergencies.

Sources: Testimony of Major General David Michalaitis to the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee. No committee action on the briefing was recorded at the hearing.","Maj. Gen. David Michalaitis told legislators the New Hampshire National Guard is roughly 3,000 members, emphasized the Guard\u000027s role as the operational reserve for U.S. forces and described education and community outreach programs run by the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

New Hampshire committee hears competing arguments over draft registration repeal and 'defend the guard' bill

Committee hears briefings on veterans services, cemetery, veterans home and VA care in New Hampshire

Adjutant General outlines force size, missions and community programs for New Hampshire National Guard and Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services