Today, Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) led a call of nearly 70 lawmakers urging Congressional leadership to swiftly come to an agreement on emergency appropriations that includes full reimbursement for the National Guard, which is currently due nearly $521 million.
In response to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, more than 27,000 members of the National Guard – including nearly 1,000 Illinoisans – courageously responded to protect the Capitol building and preserve our democracy. Last month, the House passed the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, which would cover the costs of the attack, and protect the Capitol and those who visit and work there. While this funding package awaits action in the Senate, the National Guard will begin preparations to cancel trainings starting in August, limiting their abilities to respond to future emergencies.
“Following the events of January 6th, the Guard responded to the Capitol in force and served dutifully for almost five months, keeping us, and the democracy we treasure, secure. This response came without hesitation and with the trust that we would take care of the National Guard Bureau and its more than 453,000 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen. As a result of this mission, the Guard is due nearly $521 million in reimbursement,” the members wrote.
“Department of Defense (DOD) leadership has stated that without a commitment to reimburse the Guard by July 1st, 2021, preparations will begin to cancel August and September annual training and individual duty training assemblies. Citizen Soldiers and Airmen, homeland response capabilities and our military readiness will be gravely affected without immediate action,” the members continued. “Without immediate action, the brave volunteers of our National Guard will suffer and the National Guard Bureau estimates its readiness will decrease by fifteen to twenty percent. We urge you to swiftly come to an agreement on emergency appropriations that includes full reimbursement for the National Guard.”
You can read full text of the letter here
Original source can be found here.
