East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) have joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Guarding Readiness Resources Act. The legislation aims to provide an exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments intended for the National Guard Bureau, allowing these funds to be directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses.

“The National Guard continually protects us both at home and abroad,” said Crapo. “This bill goes a long way in eliminating federal red tape to ensure readiness and provides the National Guard with the funding, resources, and equipment to successfully carry out missions.”

“For too long, bureaucratic red tape has prevented the National Guard from receiving essential asset reimbursements needed to stay mission-ready,” said Risch. “The Guarding Readiness Resources Act cuts through this red tape, ensuring the National Guard is prepared to protect our nation, both at home and abroad.”

“This legislation allows us to maintain readiness in order to fulfill our dual role as the primary combat reserve for the Army and Air Force as well as responding to emergencies in the homeland,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho and commander of the Idaho National Guard.

"The National Guard continuously responds to dynamic domestic challenges," said Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, president of NGAUS. "Immediate response often requires significant unforeseen state expenditures. While federal law allows for reimbursement, it is executed in such a way that states never see those much-needed funds. This creates substantial budget gaps that threaten readiness."

McGinn further stated: "The Guarding Readiness Resources Act corrects this oversight and ensures necessary resources are available."

Jeffrey Frisby, Executive Director of EANGUS, commented on how crucial funding is for maintaining military property standards: "The dual mission of serving both state and federal governments often creates blurry lines in pay, benefits, and equipment utilization."

The legislation addresses an operational challenge faced by the National Guard where states must reimburse federal assets used for state-directed missions but face funding shortfalls when these reimbursements go directly to the U.S. Treasury instead of returning to appropriate units.