Thursday, May 17, 2007
Governor Culver Congratulates U.S. House On Passing 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
The bill repeals language that would have restricted Governors’ ability to act swiftly in times of a national disaster
(Des Moines) Iowa Governor Chet Culver congratulates members of the US House of Representatives for passing the 2008 Defense Authorization bill. The action repeals language that would give the president the authority to use the National Guard for epidemics, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks, usurping Governors’ power as Commanders-in-Chief of their states’ National Guard units.
This provision was known as Section 1076 of the 2007 Defense Authorization Act and was placed in the bill in response to the lack of coordination between the Army and National Guard in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Governor Culver said, “I thank members of the US House of Representatives for passing the 2008 Defense Authorization bill and for keeping the command of the National Guard under the power of the Governor. I and other Governors across the country believe we should be the ones to make National Guard decisions.“
The passage of the 2008 Defense Authorization bill, without Section 1076 language, maintains that the state’s National Guard remains under the command of the governor during natural disasters. By asserting control of the National Guard in times of natural disasters, this legislation allows that there will be the rightful and necessary state leadership to provide a strong, swift response to natural disasters within the state.
Governor Culver reached out to the Iowa Congressional delegation asking House members to support the 2008 Defense Authorization bill without the inclusion of the Section 1076 language.