House Bills 4163 and 4164 remain in the House Government Operations Committee. If signed into law, both bills will create the "Defend The Guard Act" in Michigan. This law prohibits the release of the state's National Guard forces into active duty combat unless Congress has first declared war under Article I Section 8 of the Constitution. During the Global War on Terror, approximately 45% of troops deployed were members of the National Guard, and that war was never declared by Congress. The proper role of the National Guard is to defend their local communities from natural and man-made local emergencies (hence the motto "Always Ready, Always There!"). As such, the states have a critical leverage point against the military industrial complex - they can deprive the war machine of the manpower required to fight wars that have not been declared by Congress.

A discharge petition (also known as a motion to discharge) will force the bills to be released from committee to the State House Floor for a vote, and is approved by a majority vote of the elected representatives. National Guard generals have been known to testify against this proposal during state legislative hearings, so a discharge petition can pre-empt them (and allow for quicker passage). They would claim that this law will cause the Michigan National Guard to lose federal funding and equipment. However, that is NOT true - federal funds and equipment provided to the National Guard of the states are appropriated for readiness and training, and not with the expectation that members will be used for unconstitutional and undeclared wars.

In order for these bills to become law, they must pass both chambers of the legislature before going to the Governor's office. The Governor will have the choice of signing or vetoing the bills. If the bills are vetoed, both chambers of the legislature will need to override the veto, and do so with a 2/3 majority vote.

The prospect of wars requiring the use of the National Guard looms large. Therefore, immediate action is essential to expedite these crucial bills and ensure they come up for a vote in the State House of Representatives, which is the first step.

This can only be achieved with your backing. Please, let your voice be heard - sign this petition to allow House Bills 4163 and 4164 to be brought up for a vote without a hearing. And MOST importantly, after signing this petition, please contact House Speaker Matt Hall and tell him you want a motion to discharge initiated for the bills! Furthermore, with the information provided in this call-to-action, please also contact your local State House Representative and tell him/her to support these bills!

Matt Hall's Contact Information

Phone Number: (517) 373-1784

Email: MattHall@house.mi.gov

Further references:

https://defendtheguard.us/

https://defendtheguard.us/our-faqs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAHYvKK3pIE (comprehensive rebuttal of arguments that National Guard generals will make in response to this legislation)

https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/districtlocator/