Congressman Crow Statement on Passage of Amendment to Protect Servicemembers, Governors’ Authority over National Guard Units in National Defense Bill

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Army combat veteran, released this statement following the House Armed Services Committee passage of a Crow-backed amendment to protect governors’ authority over the transfer of National Guard units and require annual reports to Congress on the status of the transfer of Air Guardsmen and women into the US Space Force. The amendment follows US Air Force Legislative Proposal 480, which aimed to forcibly transfer guard units out of the Air National Guard and into the US Space Force, bypassing longstanding federal law requiring governors’ consent before transferring National Guard units to another military branch. 

The amendment follows Congressman Crow’s efforts to oppose the flawed US Air Force proposal, including leading a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees with Rep. Wilson, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, and over 80 signers opposing the inclusion of the proposal in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.

In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

“I’ve been fighting for our National Guard members and will continue to. This is an important step to protect our National Guard and safeguard their commitment to serve. Colorado’s guard members sign up to serve their community and nation, and that service should be respected. 

“I thank Rep. Wilson for bringing this amendment forward as well as Governor Polis and Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for their continued efforts to protect Colorado’s guard members.”