ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
Space national guard; urging establishment
Purpose
Urges the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to establish a Space National Guard.
Background
The U.S. Space Force (USSF) was established on December 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947. While USSF is the newest service, the Department of Defense has been working in the space domain since the beginning of space exploration. USSF consolidates satellite acquisition, budget and workforce from across more than 60 different organizations into a unified, efficient, effective service for space operations (USSF).
The Air National Guard as a reserve component of the Air Force was established on September 18, 1947. On this date, the first Secretary of the Air Force was sworn into office per provisions of the National Security Act of 1947, the authorizing legislation for the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard. Soon afterwards, National Guard Army Air Forces units began to be transferred to the Air National Guard as a reserve component of the Air Force (National Guard).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Urges the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to establish a Space National Guard to harness and expand capabilities, readiness and economic efficiency of the Air Guard's Space Operations.
2. Requests the Arizona Secretary of State to transmit this memorial to the President of the United States, the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from Arizona.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2024
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