Skip to Content

Wyoming lawmakers kill ‘Defend the Guard’ deployment act

Wyoming Capitol_1562800312736.jpg_38969622_ver1.0_1280_720
Steven Girt/GirtCommunications

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Veterans and lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, rallied in support of a bill in Wyoming that would restrict combat deployment of National Guard troops.

The bill failed an initial vote, 35-22, falling far short of the two-thirds majority needed for introduction in the Wyoming House.

Under the Defend the Guard Act, Wyoming troops and airmen could only be sent to combat with congressional authorization specifically granted by the Constitution, such as declaration of war.

States including Michigan, Oklahoma and West Virginia have discussed similar legislation recently as the U.S. nears two decades of conflict in Afghanistan since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"We now have kids going to war who were born after 9/11. I don't think one generation should bind another generation in war," Paul told a small crowd Friday at the Wyoming Capitol.

Opponents of such measures in other states have pointed out there's already a potential check on combat deployments of National Guard troops - they must be approved by a governor.

Lawmakers defeated the bill on introduction without debate later Friday.

Article Topic Follows: Wyoming Politics
channel 3
channel 8
East
east Idaho
east Idaho news
eastern
eyewitness news 3
Idaho
kidk
kifi
local
local news
local news 8
new
news
news 8
tv
Wyoming

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content