Bill Will Strengthen National Guard Units in Utah and Across America 

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has reintroduced the Guarding Readiness Resources Act today with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) is introducing the House companion bill. This bipartisan legislation provides a critical exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments. This change ensures that these funds are directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses, bolstering readiness and operational efficiency. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), James Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Justice (R-WV), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (R-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jerry Moran (R-KS).

“The National Guard is essential to our national defense and emergency response system," said Senator Lee. "Our legislation eliminates unnecessary hurdles, ensuring that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions.”

“The men and women of the National Guard are committed to the motto of ‘always ready, always there’—which is why it’s important our Guardsmen have the resources they need to stay mission-ready,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act would better ensure the Guard has access to the funds needed for the maintenance and readiness activities that help them keep our country safe.”

“The National Guard is America’s first responder, but outdated bureaucracy is draining resources, leaving critical equipment broken and unfunded after State Active Duty missions. The Guarding Readiness Resources Act fixes this by cutting red tape at the Department of the Treasury—ensuring the National Guard Bureau immediately gets the funds it needs to repair, replace, and maintain equipment. This keeps our Guardsmen mission-ready, whether responding to natural disasters or supporting local law enforcement,” said Congressman Harrigan. “I’m proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senator Lee in the Senate to strengthen the Guard and protect American communities.”

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act addresses a longstanding challenge for the National Guard. While federal law allows the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, reimbursements for those expenses have been diverted to the U.S. Treasury instead of the appropriate Guard units, creating significant funding gaps. The legislation is endorsed by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).

“Our National Guard members serve side by side with their active-duty counterparts, answering the call at home and abroad,” said CMSgt. Josh J. Baker, Vice President of EANGUS. “Yet, they continue to face inequities in pay, health care, and benefits that undermine their service and sacrifice. This legislation is a significant step toward correcting these imbalances and ensuring our Guardsmen are properly equipped, trained, and supported—whether they are responding to domestic emergencies or deploying overseas,” “EANGUS stands ready to work alongside Senator Lee and other congressional leaders to advance this bill. Our members, the backbone of the National Guard, deserve nothing less than full recognition and fair treatment for their dedication to our nation.”

“The National Guard continuously responds to the dynamic domestic challenges this nation faces,” said retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, President of NGAUS. “Immediate response often requires significant unforeseen state expenditures. While the law allows for federal reimbursement, it is executed in such a way that states never see those much-needed funds.  This creates substantial budget gaps that threaten the readiness of the force. The Guarding Readiness Resources Act corrects this oversight and ensures the National Guard has the necessary resources to effectively fulfill their mission. We are grateful for the work of Senators Lee and Duckworth and ask for full congressional support for inclusion in the FY26 NDAA.”

Bill Specifics:

By adding a Miscellaneous Receipts exemption to section 710 of title 32, Congress will ensure that: 

• The U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) can direct reimbursement money back to National Guard units.
• National Guard units will have available funding for maintenance, repair, and replacement costs of federal equipment when needed.
• National Guard equipment, property, and training funds will remain ready for National Guard federal missions.

You can read the bill text HERE.

You can read the one-pager HERE.