Following revelations about a Pentagon proposal to transfer National Guard space units to the newly established Space Force, key members of the House Appropriations Committee have voiced significant opposition.
During a House Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing, Rep. Ken Calvert, chairman of the subcommittee, indicated strong reservations about the precedent such a transfer would set. His concerns were shared by the subcommittee’s top Democrat, Rep. Betty McCollum, who bluntly termed the proposal as “dead on arrival.” McCollum pointed out that the proposal was widely opposed by governors and underscored the need for states to be active partners in any substantive changes to National Guard operations.
However, this move has been met with staunch resistance. A letter signed by the governors of 48 states and all five U.S. territories was sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, voicing “strong objections” to the transfer. They cautioned that the move could undermine their authority over the National Guard and compromise the readiness and operational efficacy of the units.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaking to lawmakers, shared that up to 70% of the affected Guardsmen expressed a preference to remain in the National Guard rather than join the Space Force. Hokanson committed to finding positions within the National Guard for those unwilling to transfer if forced to do so.
The opposition from the House Appropriators stands in contrast to the support expressed by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, who earlier this month stated his belief that the Pentagon proposal would ultimately succeed. “And my promise to them is I will find a position for them in the National Guard, if they do not want to go into the Space Force, if they are forced to do so,” he said.
It’s currently unclear whether the concerns raised by House appropriators could portend a fight over the issue. McCollum acknowledged that policy issues are the purview of the armed services committees, which tackle the annual National Defense Authorization Act. However, the appropriations committees could seek to circumvent defense authorizers’ decision by zeroing out funding needed to pay for the new Space Force billets — a possibility that was not raised by lawmakers today.
Rep. McCollum stated her anticipation for the armed services committees’ decisions, with the commitment to collaborate on funding aspects.
Relevant articles:
– ‘Dead on arrival’: Key House appropriators oppose transfer of Guard units to Space Force, Breaking Defense, 05/01/2024
– NGB Chief: There’s ‘Big Concern’ About Air Force’s Space Plans, NGAUS, 04/30/2024