Legislature Moves to Keep Michigan National Guard Out of Foreign Wars

Michigan legislators have introduced bipartisan bills to prevent the state’s National Guard from being deployed without a Congressional war declaration. The aim is to uphold constitutional authority and protect service members from unnecessary foreign conflicts.

New bipartisan legislation seeks to prevent Michigan’s National Guard from being deployed without a formal declaration of war by Congress.

Michigan Legislators Push to Keep National Guard Out of Undeclared Wars

LANSING, Mich. – State Representatives Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers) and Jim Wegela (D-Garden City) have introduced a bipartisan bill package aimed at ensuring Michigan’s National Guard members are not deployed into foreign conflicts without congressional authorization. House Bill 4163 mandates that the state’s National Guard cannot be called into active duty without an official declaration of war by the United States Congress, while House Bill 4164 defines key terms and clarifies the scope of the legislation.

Bipartisan Effort to Reinforce Constitutional War Powers

U.S. Air Force members from various Air National Guard units across the country watch as a C-5 Galaxy lands for a wet-wing defuel during Exercise Northern Strike 24-2 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 9, 2024. Northern Strike 24-2, one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, is scheduled to take place at Michigan’s National All Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) from August 3-17, 2024. Over 6,300 participants from 32 states and territories and several international participants will converge at the NADWC. Northern Strike is the premier reserve component training event designed to build readiness with joint and partner forces in all domains of warfare. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Jordaan Kvale)

Rep. Steve Carra emphasized that the legislation is rooted in the U.S. Constitution, citing Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11, which grants Congress the sole authority to declare war. “The United States has waged forever wars in faraway lands for decades, even though Congress has not officially declared war since World War II,” Carra stated.

Rep. Jim Wegela, a co-sponsor of the bill, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the initiative. “This is about ensuring that Michigan’s National Guard members are not sent into harm’s way without the constitutional process being followed,” he said.

Legislators Seek to Protect Michigan’s Service Members

Carra strongly criticized the practice of deploying National Guard troops without congressional approval. “Unconstitutionally endangering the National Guard is both reckless and morally reprehensible,” he said. “Our service members are not for sale to the interests of the military-industrial complex.”

The Defend the Guard bill package comes in response to decades of U.S. military interventions where the National Guard has been activated under executive orders or resolutions rather than formal war declarations. Lawmakers argue this practice has led to unnecessary deployments and casualties among Michigan service members.

Next Steps for HB 4163 and HB 4164

The bill package has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations, where it will undergo further review and discussion. Supporters urge swift passage, citing the need to uphold constitutional procedures and protect Michigan’s National Guard members from improper deployments.

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