Today, as we honor the founding of the National Guard, we are proud to announce the launch of a critical initiative: supporting the Defend the Guard Act. This legislation ensures that the National Guard’s deployment aligns with its constitutional purpose—defending the homeland and upholding the rule of law.

The Constitutional Role of the National Guard

The Constitution is explicit about the role of the National Guard. Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 15—commonly known as the Militia Clause—Congress is granted the power to call the Guard into federal service for three specific purposes:

1. To repel an invasion.

2. To suppress insurrections.

3. To enforce the laws of the union.

These are the only conditions under which the National Guard should leave its states to serve under federal command. A declaration of war, voted on by Congress and signed by the President, becomes a law of the union. Only under such lawful authority should the National Guard be deployed to fight overseas.

For too long, these constitutional boundaries have been ignored. Over the past two decades, nearly half of the troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have come from the National Guard and Reserves. These deployments, conducted without a congressional declaration of war, undermine the Guard’s primary mission and place unnecessary burdens on its members and their families.

What Is the Defend the Guard Act?

The Defend the Guard Act is state-level legislation that protects the National Guard from being sent to unconstitutional wars. It ensures that deployments adhere to the Constitution’s requirements, safeguarding both our troops and the integrity of the law.

Why the Defend the Guard Act Is Essential

1.Uphold the Constitution

By requiring a formal declaration of war before deploying National Guard troops, the Act ensures compliance with Article I, Section 8. It restores Congress’s authority and stops the executive branch from bypassing constitutional checks and balances.

2. Protect Our Troops

The Act prevents Guardsmen from being sent into harm’s way without proper legal justification. This ensures their sacrifices are made only in service of lawful and necessary missions.

3. Focus on Homeland Defense

The Guard’s primary mission is to protect their states and respond to emergencies like natural disasters. Deploying them to foreign conflicts undermines this critical purpose, as seen during events like Hurricane Katrina.

4. Curb Endless Wars

Requiring congressional approval for deployment reduces the likelihood of America becoming entangled in unauthorized, perpetual conflicts that drain resources and harm service members.

5. Promote Accountability

War decisions must be made through the proper constitutional process, ensuring that the burden of war is shared and justified, not arbitrarily placed on the shoulders of Guardsmen.

6. Empower States

The Act reinforces states’ rights by giving governors greater authority over their National Guard units, preventing unauthorized federal overreach.

How You Can Help

1.Sign the Petition

 Show your support by signing our petition.

2. Spread the Word

Share this campaign on social media and encourage others to join the cause. Use hashtags like #DefendTheGuard and #HonorTheConstitution.

3. Contact Your Representatives

Urge your state legislators to sponsor and support the Defend the Guard Act.

The Time to Act Is Now

This initiative is about more than protecting the National Guard—it’s about preserving the integrity of our Constitution and ensuring that America’s war decisions are made lawfully and with proper oversight. The National Guard has always stood ready to defend our nation. Let us honor their commitment by ensuring they are only deployed under lawful authority and for lawful purposes.

Together, we can restore constitutional accountability, protect our troops, and prioritize the Guard’s mission to defend the homeland.

 

Co-Signers:

Rage Against the War Machine

Dan McKnight, Chairman of Bring Our Troops Home

Jonathan Lindsey, Michigan State Senator

Tom Mannion, New Hampshire State Representative  

Ben Adams, Idaho State Senator

Jed Davis, Illinois State Representative

Mike ter Maat, 2024 Libertarian Party Candidate for Vice President

Nathaniel Snyder, 2024 Candidate for U.S. Congress

Ehsan Joarder, 2024 special election congressional candidate for FL-6

Brendan Cowley, 2024 Republican Candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 20

Dee Watson, Candidate for North Carolina Senate 16

Dissident Media

Matt Johnson, Region 2 Alternate of Libertarian National Committee

James Wiley, Executive Director of Libertarian Party of Colorado

Rich Purtell, Legislative Affairs Director of Libertarian Party of New York

Joseph M Solis-Mullen, History professor at SAU and Ralph Raico Fellow at the Libertarian Institute

Joe Evans, Treasurer of Kind Idaho

Ezra Wyrick, Outreach Director of Tennessee Liberty Whip

Patricia Mohr, Founder of Mohr Media LLC

Sonja Feintech, Founder of Oregon Liberty Network

Liam McCollum, Host of The Liam McCollum Show