Governors Urge Support of Wilson Amendment Protecting National Guard Authority

Over 100 Members of Congress Sign on to Letter Rejecting LP480

Washington, D.C. - The National Governors Association (NGA) Executive Committee released a statement following a letter sent by over 100 members of Congress in opposition to Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480), which would reassign specified Air National Guard units to the U.S. Space Force without legally required approval from Governors.

"Governors stand united in our commitment to uphold long-standing federal laws that require Governors' approval prior to enacting any changes impacting the National Guard, and to strong federal-state partnership that has ensured our military readiness."

Governors of all 55 states and territories have expressed strong opposition to the proposal, according to NGA.

The National Governors Association continues to urge Members of Congress to support the bipartisan Wilson Amendment during the FY25 NDAA Conference Committee. The Wilson Amendment underscores a commitment ensuring America's national security and protecting the legal authorities of Governors within U.S.C Title 10 and Title 32.

National Guard assets are critical to our national security as well as a vital component of Governors' responses to emergencies. Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to effectively protect military readiness for America's communities.

In May, NGA issued a statement commending the Wilson Amendment in the FY25 NDAA Full Committee Mark Up to protect Governor authorities over the National Guard.

In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III in April, Governors expressed opposition to Legislative Proposal 480

The National Governors Association (NGA) Executive Committee includes Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado, Vice Chair Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee and Governor Spencer Cox of Utah.