Defend the Guard
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress – not the president – the power to decide when the United States goes to war. Yet for decades, presidents of both major parties have sent U.S. forces into combat without a vote of Congress.
The Defend the Guard Act reclaims the National Guard for the American people. The legislation – introduced in a majority of state legislatures and passed by a growing number of state legislative bodies – prohibits a state’s National Guard from being deployed into overseas combat unless Congress has formally authorized the conflict, as required by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
This growing national movement is supported by veterans, constitutional scholars, peace advocates, and civil libertarians who believe decisions that put U.S. service members and people around the world in harm’s way should be debated and approved by the people’s representatives — not by a single person.
Together, we can defend members of the Guard, uphold the Constitution, and protect people around the world.
Which States Have Had a Legislative Body Pass Defend the Guard?
The Arizona and Idaho State Senates, New Hampshire House of Representatives, and Virginia House of Delegates have all passed the Defend the Guard bill.
Who Supports Defend the Guard Legislation?
Here’s a sampling of the broad support: