The Michigan Defend the Guard Act is currently in the House Government Operations Committee. It must pass by a majority vote to move forward in the legislative process.
Residents of the state should take the following steps to help the bill advance.
Step 1: Contact the Committee Chair
Reach out to Chair Brian BeGole at 517.373.0853. Firmly, but politely request that he schedule a hearing for both HB4163 and HB4164, and express your support for moving the bills forward.
Step 2: Contact the Committee Members
Call each member of the Committee. Let them know you support HB4163 and HB4164 and encourage them to vote in favor.
Be firm, but courteous and professional.
Majority Vice Chair: Mike Harris – 517.373.0828
Minority Vice Chair: Johnny Fitzgerald – 517.373.0835
Curtis VanderWall – 517.373.1747
Mike McFall – 517.373.0140
Step 3: Contact your own state senator and representative
Urge them each to co-sponsor and support HB4163 and HB4164 as well. A phone call is far more effective than an email.
You can find their contact information here:
https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/
Step 4: Spread the word
Share this Action Alert widely by email and post on social media.
What is Defend the Guard?
The Defend the Guard Act is a critical piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that the state’s National Guard is not deployed into active duty combat unless Congress passes an “official declaration of war” or takes an official action pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 15 of the Constitution for the United States.
Articles: Defend the Guard
Articles: War Powers
- War Powers: The True History of James Madison, the Constitution and the War of 1812
- War Powers: The True History of Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Pirates
- War Powers: The True History of George Washington and the Indian Tribes
- War Powers: The True History of John Adams and the Quasi-War with France