REFERENCE TITLE: space national guard; urging establishment

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2024

SCM 1004

Introduced by

Senators Gowan: Bennett, Bolick, Borrelli, Burch, Fernandez, Hernandez, Kerr, Mesnard, Petersen, Rogers, Shamp, Shope, Wadsack;  Representatives Aguilar, Biasiucci, Bliss, Carbone, Carter, Cook, Diaz, Dunn, Gillette, Grantham, Gress, Griffin, Gutierrez, Heap, Hendrix, Hodge, Jones, Kolodin, Livingston, Marshall, Martinez, Nguyen, Ortiz, Payne, Peña, Smith, Travers, Wilmeth (with permission of Committee on Rules)

A Concurrent Memorial

urging the United States Congress to enact legislation establishing a space national guard.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

To the Congress of the United States of America:

Your memorialist respectfully represents:

Whereas, the space domain has been a critical part of defense and combat operations necessary for the continued security of the United States symbolized by strategic importance and the multifaceted value of space operations to both national security and technological advancement; and

Whereas, Arizona is home to significant aerospace and defense industry contributions, with its citizens and economy benefiting greatly from the technological innovations and jobs these sectors provide; and

Whereas, establishing a Space National Guard would enhance the capabilities of the United States in space by offering a cost-effective, ready and innovative force that leverages the talent and resources of states like Arizona; and

Whereas, the collaboration between the United States Department of Defense, the United States Space Force and state National Guards would strengthen national security, foster international partnerships and ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of space domain operations; and

Whereas, the integration of National Guard space operations into a formal Space National Guard would optimize resources, ensuring every dollar invested yields significant returns in combat capability and technological advancement; and

Whereas, the Air National Guard's Space Operations have demonstrated unparalleled expertise, readiness and economic efficiency and have proved the vital role they play in the nation's defense and space exploration efforts; and

Whereas, the establishment of the Space National Guard would recognize and leverage the existing infrastructure, talent and innovation present in states like Arizona and would foster a collaborative environment between federal and state entities to advance the nation's space objectives.

Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:

1. That the United States Congress enact legislation to immediately establish a Space National Guard to harness and expand the capabilities, readiness and economic efficiency of the Air National Guard's Space Operations, thereby ensuring that the United States maintains its competitive edge in space domain security and exploration.

2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.