Governor Stitt Joins 52 Governors In Letter Opposing Proposal That Would Weaken Their Authority Over National Guard Assets

Governor Kevin Stitt joined 52 governors in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the U.S. Department of Defense opposing Legislative Proposal 480, which would weaken Governors' legitimate authority over National Guard assets, threatening military readiness and operational efficiency of their units.

The letter reads, in part: "For over a century, Title 10 and Title 32 of U.S.C. have upheld gubernatorial authority over the National Guard. National Guard assets are critical components of states' and territories' responses to crises. Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to protect operational readiness and America's communities.

"Legislation that sidesteps, eliminates or otherwise reduces Governors' authority within their states and territories undermines longstanding partnerships, precedence, military readiness and operational efficacy. This action also negatively affects the important relationships between Governors and DOD at a time when we need to have full trust and confidence between the two to meet the growing threats posed by the era of strategic competition as well as natural disasters."

The letter can be read in full here.