WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Kay Granger, the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, is being honored as a recipient of the Harry S. Truman Award, the highest award conferred by the National Guard Association of the United States. Granger was selected for exceptional contributions towards the national security of the United States, and for her sustained support of the National Guard.

“The Constitution specifically gives Congress the responsibility to provide for the common defense.   This is a responsibility I have taken very seriously throughout my time in Congress.  When I was first elected, I served on the House Armed Services Committee until I moved up to the House Appropriations Committee, where I continued to fight to provide for our national security.

"During my time in Congress, I have served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and as the senior Republican for the entire House Appropriations Committee.  These positions have enabled to me be a fierce advocate for our national security and the men and women who work so hard to provide it.  The world is an extremely dangerous place, with countries like Iran and China, and terrorists who are constant threats to the American way of life.

“My goal is simple – if any of our enemies want to fight the United States, I want to guarantee it is not a fair fight.  They will face the United States military, the strongest, most effective military in the world. 

“The National Guard is an essential component of our military. They integrate seamlessly with the active duty military to ensure that the United States can project power around the world.  These Guardsmen and women not only fight overseas for our great nation, they also play a vital role in defending and responding to emergencies at home.  They respond to domestic emergencies like hurricanes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are an essential component of our counterdrug efforts.  These citizen soldiers can be activated by the President or the Governor at a moment’s notice. 

“From my time as Mayor of Fort Worth, to my current role in Congress, I’ve consistently seen the significant contributions of the National Guard.  Fort Worth plays central role in the security of the United States, from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, to the thousands of servicemembers who call Fort Worth home, to the thousands of men and women who work at the defense companies throughout the metroplex who ensure that our servicemen and women have the very best, most advanced planes, helicopter, and weapons. I fight daily for all of them. 

“NAS JRB Fort Worth is home to the 136th Airlift Wing.  This C-130 squadron has played important roles in our fights overseas and domestic disaster recovery.  Unfortunately, their C-130 airplanes are getting very old.  As a result, I have successfully led the fight to replace their aging C-130 fleet with newer, more capable planes that will keep them in the fight and allow them to continue to respond to hurricanes and other domestic disasters. 

“It is truly an honor to receive this distinguished award, and I am humbled when I look at the past recipients, like President Ronald Reagan and President Bush.  I want to thank the Texas Adjutant General, Major General Tracy R. Norris, and the National Guard Association of the United States for selecting me."

"Congresswoman Granger has always been a steadfast supporter of the National Guard,” said Major General Tracy R. Norris, the Texas Adjutant General and commander of the Texas Military Department. “She has, without hesitation or reservation, answered the call of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau regarding nationwide Guard interests, while simultaneously supporting the operation, modernization, and readiness of the Texas National Guard. I congratulate Congresswoman Kay Granger for this prestigious recognition of her career long dedication to support Service Members and their families."

 
BACKGROUND

The Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service in Support of National Defense was authorized in 1968 by the National Guard Association of the United States Board of Directors, and is awarded to those who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to America’s security and defense. Past recipients have included Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, and former Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh. Congresswoman Granger receives the 2020 Harry S. Truman Award along with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).