The Defend the Guard Bill (S.2471/H.3829), or “An Act prohibiting the Massachusetts National Guard from being deployed into active combat without a formal declaration of war by congress,” is sponsored by Sen. Jehlen and presented in the House by Rep. Barber. The bill in both the Senate and House has been referred to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
The federal government is currently able to call upon the state National Guard to serve in active combat – participating in armed conflict, performing hazardous services in a foreign state, or performing an action through an instrumentality (vehicle, vessel, device) of war – without congress declaring war. This inhibits congressional oversight and permits the federal government to wage endless wars.
The Defend the Guard Bill ensures that the Massachusetts National Guard is only deployed for federal military service when an official declaration of war has been made by Congress, as required by Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. The bill has received bipartisan support for its mission to uphold the constitution.
Defend the Guard Bill Fact Sheet.
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen
Presenter: Rep. Christine P. Barber
Committee: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Primary Advocates: Brian Zakrajsek, Brian Garvey