Governor DeWine calls on President Joe Biden to withdraw Air Force proposal to circumvent authority of governors

This week, Governor Mike DeWine called on President Joe Biden to withdraw proposed legislation that would permanently federalize portions of the Ohio National Guard into the U.S. Space Force.  

The U.S. Air Force sent Legislative Proposal 480 to Congress in March. The proposal would federalize U.S. National Guard units, including units from the Ohio National Guard, into the U.S. Space Force and give the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force the sole discretion to move soldiers or eliminate their units. 

In a letter to the President, Governor DeWine said the proposal severely undermines the intent of the Militia Act of 1903 and circumvents the authority of governors across the nation.

"As Commander in Chief of the Ohio National Guard, I retain the responsibility for these military organizations and their missions," Governor DeWine wrote. "Usurping this power would be unprecedented, and I respectfully ask that you do not do so. Every Ohio National Guard member takes an oath not only to the United States of America, but to Ohio as well. I honor their dual commitment by ensuring that all Ohio National Guard members can serve in the communities where they live, work, and raise their families. When called, they stand ready to deploy — anytime, anywhere." 

Governor DeWine noted his overall support for the missions of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force and encouraged the federal government to consider alternative methods for calling on the Ohio National Guard to support these missions. 

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