National Guard Empowerment Act Of 2007
Summary
Central Purpose
This legislation is designed to make the National Guard a stronger and
more responsible defense agency, which will improve the nation’s defense
and improve the military’s ability to support civilian authorities
during a domestic emergency.
Section 1:
Title
This section sets the legislation title as the “National Guard
Empowerment Act of 2007.”
Section 2:
National Guard Chief Full General on Joint Staff
This section will elevate the Chief of the National Guard to the rank of
full general and make that officer a member of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and, in turn, the
Secretary of Defense and the President, on National Guard matters,
particularly matters related to the Guard’s work to support civil
authorities during emergencies at home.
This section also
allows the Secretary of Defense to set the National Guard’s charter in
consultation with the Army and Air Force secretaries, adding a
responsibility to the Guard Bureau to help coordinate the National Guard
during emergencies at home. The National Guard will work with the
States to identify gaps between federal and state capabilities in
responding to emergencies, and the National Guard will have the
authority to set equipment requirements and procure equipment for this
domestically oriented mission. Part of the annual defense budget shall
go toward the National Guard’s military support to civilian authorities’
mission.
Section 3:
Expanding the Pool of National Guard Generals
This section is designed to expand the pool of available National Guard
generals eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General and
higher. It expresses the sense of Congress that the reserve component
major generals should be considered for promotion, and it requires the
Secretary of Defense to submit a plan to increase these promotions, as
well as a certification, when the Administration submits nominees, that
reserve component officers have actually received consideration.
Section 4: Joint
Credit and Promotion Report
This section ensures that Adjutants General receive so-called joint
credit for serving as the Adjutant General, and it requires the
Secretary of the Army and the Air Force to submit a report for elevating
more National Guard major generals to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Section 5:
Northern Command Deputy
This section ensures that the Deputy Commander of United States Northern
Command is drawn from the ranks of the National Guard.
Section 6: Annual
Report on Military Response to National Disaster
This section requires the Secretary of Defense to work with United
States Northern Command and the National Guard to submit an annual
report on the coordination of National Guard and active military forces
during domestic emergencies, using various scenarios and planning
constructs.
Section 7:
Reporting on National Guard Equipment
This section provides greater transparency of budgeting for the National
Guard’s equipment.
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Remarks Of U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Introduction
Of The National Guard Empowerment Act
Text of Legislation
Summary Of Legislation
Letter Of Support From The Adjutants General Associated Of The United
States
Letter Of
Support From The National Governors Association
Letter Of Support From The
National Guard Associated Of the United States
Letter Of Support
From The Enlisted Association Of The National Guard
