Governors from all 50 states express opposition to a federal proposal that seeks to transfer National Guard units to the U.S. Space Force, citing concerns over state authority and readiness.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
In a unified response, governors across the United States and several territories have voiced strong opposition to a Department of Defense (DOD) proposal that would transition certain National Guard units to the U.S. Space Force. This plan, revealed in a March proposal to Congress, requires legislative changes that would affect the governors’ command over National Guard units under both Title 32 and Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
A bipartisan group of governors articulated their concerns in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The letter, signed by 48 governors, emphasized that the proposal would diminish their capacity to manage state emergencies and natural disasters effectively. “Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to effectively protect operational readiness and America’s communities,” the governors stated in the letter.
The opposition underscores worries that the proposed realignment could erode longstanding partnerships between state governments and the Department of Defense, potentially harming military readiness and operational efficacy at a critical time. The governors argued that such legislative changes would undermine the foundational trust and cooperation necessary to address both strategic competitions on a national scale and natural disaster responses at the state level.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while not signatories to the collective governors’ letter, issued their own statements opposing the DOD plan. Governor Abbott described the proposal as a “power grab” that could allow military secretaries to unilaterally dismantle National Guard units. He emphasized the need for the Air Force to consult with affected governors to develop the Space Force in accordance with federal law.
President Biden and his Admin. are making a power grab for the National Guard.
They want to give the Secretaries unilateral authority to dismantle National Guard units on a whim.
Governors must not be sidelined as commander-in-chief of our National Guards.
Read my letter ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/encZzJ3MnW
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 6, 2024
Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida’s particular vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding, stressing the importance of having fully operational National Guard units ready to respond to such emergencies. His letter pointed out that the proposal could weaken the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to domestic crises, especially with the hurricane season approaching.
This resistance from state leaders coincides with comments from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who, in recent public statements, has downplayed the scale and impact of the proposed transfers. Speaking at a Senate hearing and a Space Symposium event, Kendall suggested that the reaction might be disproportionate to the actual effects of the proposal, which he said would involve a relatively small number of National Guard members focused on space missions.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between federal strategic objectives in expanding the U.S. Space Force and the prerogatives of states to manage their security resources, particularly in times of emergency. This dispute also raises questions about the balance of power between state and federal authorities in national defense operations.
