WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), and Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) are leading the effort to protect national security by keeping Apache helicopters with the National Guard and preventing the reduction of Army Guard End Strength. The three lawmakers spearheaded a letter signed by more than 200 House members urging that National Guard Apaches not be transferred to the Active Army and that no decision on the transfer be made until the Commission on the Future of the Army issues its report.
In the letter to the Chairman and Ranking Members of both the House Armed Services Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the members highlighted the fact that the National Guard is “battle-tested and combat proven.” They also noted the vital role that the National Guard plays in responding to domestic disasters and emergencies while also fighting overseas. The lawmakers said any changes before the Commission completes the report “defeats the entire purpose of the Commission.”
“America’s security is our top priority,” the House members wrote in the letter. “Protecting the capabilities of the National Guard is vitally important to that security. As the FY16 National Defense Authorization and Appropriations bills are conferenced, we ask you to halt the transfer of Apaches from the Army National Guard and stop reductions in Army Guard end-strength and Full-Time Support until FY 17. This will ensure Congress has sufficient time to review all recommendations and to thoughtfully deliberate the issues before making a final decision on matters critical to national security.”
The full letter can be found here.
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