Wyoming committee passes 'Defend the Guard' bill after debate, adopts amendments to soften enforcement language

Representative Nate Singh, sponsor of House Bill 265, told the Education Committee that the bill would bar the Wyoming National Guard from deployment into active combat zones overseas unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war.

The bill’s sponsor presented the measure as a constitutional safeguard, citing Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution and arguing that state Guardsmen have been deployed without congressional declaration under broad authorizations such as the post-9/11 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

The bill prompted extensive testimony and questions from committee members. Major General Greg Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general, and other military leaders urged the committee to reject the bill, saying it would risk federal funding and equipment support because roughly 95% of the Guard’s budget is federal and the Guard serves as a primary combat reserve for the Army and Air Force. Porter warned that restricting federal access could jeopardize Wyoming’s aircraft and other capabilities and hamper the state’s ability to compete for new equipment such as a modern C-130J aircraft.

Retired Chief…