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Reps. Crow, Lamborn Reintroduce Legislation to Establish the Space National Guard

May 2, 2023

Crow: “Now is the time to create a Space National Guard."

WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), former Army Ranger,  and Doug Lamborn (CO-05) reintroduced the Space National Guard Establishment Act alongside 10 of their bipartisan colleagues to create the Space National Guard by grandfathering in the existing seven states and one territory (CO, CA, HI, AK, NY, OH, FL, GU) of the Air National Guard that have space-related duties into a new Space National Guard. 

While the Space Force was stood up in 2019, members of the National Guard conducting vital space missions still remain within the Air National Guard under the Air Force, a service no longer performing space missions. This has led to organizational problems and has left these members of the national guard misaligned and without clear career paths, despite their essential missions. The Space National Guard Establishment Act would simply correct this misalignment by designating these existing units as a reserve component of the Space Force, where they belong. This legislation would require no additional personnel, units, or facilities, and would improve communication, reduce costs, allow these dedicated space warfighters to continue supporting the Space Force’s missions at a high level.  

“Colorado is home to over one third of all space-related National Guard members and we need to make sure we’re doing right by them and their families. Their work and mission are critical to national security, but housing these critical capabilities within the Air National Guard is not a long-term solution.,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “Establishing a Space National Guard would improve communication, better support personnel, and maintain our critical defense capabilities. Now is the time to create a Space National Guard. I look forward to working with Congressman Lamborn and my bipartisan colleagues to carry this effort across the finish line.” 

“I am happy to co-lead the reintroduction of the Space National Guard Establishment Act with Congressman Crow,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn. “I am encouraged to see more momentum and support from national defense leaders this year as we restart this conversation. Our bipartisan, economical, and sensible proposal for the creation of a Space National Guard is in the best interest of our national security. I look forward to driving the Space National Guard establishment conversation toward a positive solution.”

In October 2020, Crow and Lamborn started the House Space Force Caucus to help educate Members and their staff about the U.S. Space Force and advocate on the Hill on behalf of our nation's youngest military Service.

Bill text can be found HERE.