Bill would restrict use of Md. National Guard

[unhappycamper]

Bill would restrict use of Md. National Guard
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 5, 2009 17:48:58 EST

A Maryland state senator is pushing a bill that would require the governor to prevent the mobilization of the state’s National Guard for federal duty unless Congress has authorized the use of military force or issued a declaration of war.

The bill also would authorize the governor to ask for the return of deployed units in certain circumstances.

But unlike initiatives such as the multi-state “Bring the Guard Home” campaign that are rooted in anti-war sentiment, State Sen. Richard Madaleno Jr.’s bill aims to influence national policy and practice. Madaleno said he wants Congress to play a larger role in future troop deployment decisions, including determining whether the Guard truly needs to be part of any overseas military action.

“I think one of the lessons — certainly, of Iraq — is, ‘We gave this authority to the president,’ ” Madaleno said after a March 4 committee hearing on the bill in Annapolis, Md.

After the successful invasion, public awareness waned, which “allowed a policy drift,” Madaleno said. “And if you put in place certain additional checks, ... you potentially provide the framework for Congress to do something and remain engaged in the oversight of the conflict.”


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/military_maryland_guard_deployment_030509w/%2e