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Committee retains "Defend the Guard" bill after months of testimony; lawmakers seek more time
Summary
After lengthy hearings and emotional testimony from veterans and Guard members, the Committee retained HB 104 (the "Defend the Guard" proposal) to allow more time for analysis of funding and readiness implications.
The House committee retained HB 104, known in testimony as the "Defend the Guard" measure, after extended debate and emotional testimony from veterans, active-duty and National Guard members, and family members.
Lede: supporters described the bill as a check on federal use of National Guard forces for long overseas missions; they argued the state should limit guard deployments that mirror active-duty combat missions. Opponents said action could harm readiness, funding and the state’s Guard-dependent economy.
Supporters argued the National Guard should be…
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