Committee gives do-not-pass to bill that would bar North Dakota Guard from overseas combat

BISMARCK — The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee recommended a do-not-pass on House Bill 1315 on a 11-2 roll call after a daylong hearing that drew veterans, Guard leadership and national advocates.

Representative Matt Heilman, a state representative from North Dakota’s 7th Legislative District in Bismarck, testified in favor of the bill. He said the text would prevent the state’s National Guard "from being deployed into active duty combat" unless Congress exercises the authority described in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Heilman framed the proposal as a return to constitutional war-declaring powers and a way to prevent what he called "endless wars," and he told the committee his testimony included a list of National Guard members who have served and died since 2001.

The measure drew opposition from several witnesses who said it would harm readiness, recruiting and federal support. State Representative…