The Issue: Enhancing and protecting National Guard Counterdrug Program Operations and Regional Training Centers.
More Information: NGAUS strongly promotes changes to U.S. law that would enhance and protect the National Guard counterdrug state programs and training centers.
The National Guard counterdrug program supports federal, state and local law enforcement in the fight against drug trafficking activities. In fiscal 2013, National Guard counterdrug personnel assisted law enforcement in seizing an estimated street value of $8.5 billion in drugs and weapons.
The House of Representatives’ fiscal 2015 National Defense Authorization Act recognizes this invaluable contribution to the fight against illegal drugs. The Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the bill doesn’t go as far. Sen. Casey, D-Pa., is looking to change that with a letter to committee leadership. He’s asking his colleagues to join him in his effort.
His letter asks the committee to expand existing law to include operations that target drug smuggling by transnational criminal organizations and associated illicit activities within and on state borders. The letter also asks for permanent authorization for the five regional Training Centers.
Please contact your Senators and urge them to show their support for National Guard counterdrug programs by signing onto Casey’s letter.
NGAUS POC:
Grace Washbourne
Legislative Affairs Manager, Joint Programs and Domestic Operations
202-408-8893
grace.washbourne@ngaus.org