Texas Governor Greg Abbott is challenging a proposal by the Department of the Air Force to transfer National Guard units from state control to federal without the approval of governors. The proposal aims to move certain National Guard units to the newly established Space Command. In a letter to President Joe Biden, Abbott expressed concern that the proposal undermines the authority of governors and sets a dangerous precedent.
The bipartisan Council of Governors has also raised objections to the proposal, calling on Secretary of Defense Loyd J. Austin, III to retract Legislative Proposal 480. The proposal would transfer 14 units from the National Guard to the U.S. Space Command without the governors’ consent.
Governor Abbott highlighted the vital role played by the Texas National Guard in responding to various disasters and emergencies, but also emphasized the importance of respecting federal laws that require governor consent for such transfers.
Abbott and other governors have urged the Department of the Air Force to rescind the proposal, stating that National Guard assets are crucial for state responses to crises and must be under the full authority of governors. Any attempts to undermine this authority could harm the relationship between states and the federal government.
