WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) received unanimous support last week for the bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act introduced earlier this year mandating that National Guard units receive appropriate federal reimbursements, ensuring their readiness in emergencies. The bill was cosponsored by 20 U.S. Senators and passed unanimously as an amendment to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“Our National Guard responds to emergencies, protects our states, and keeps countless American families safe from harm,” said Senator Mike Lee. “While they deserve the best when answering the call, they have not been well served due to copious amounts of bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary hurdles. For the last few years, I’ve been working to solve this problem. Tonight, my bill passed unanimously.”

Watch Senator Lee’s remarks here.

Cosponsors included U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

“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“The National Guard is America’s first responder, but outdated bureaucracy is draining resources, leaving critical equipment broken and unfunded after State Active Duty missions,” said Congressman Harrigan. “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. I’m proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senator Lee in the Senate to strengthen the Guard and protect American communities.”

“Our National Guard members serve side by side with their active-duty counterparts, answering the call at home and abroad,”  “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.” – CMSgt. Josh J. Baker, Vice President, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)

“The National Guard continuously responds to the dynamic domestic challenges this nation faces. 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.” – Retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, President, National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act will:

Add a Miscellaneous Receipts exemption to section 710 of title 32, ensuring 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.

Read full text of the Guarding Readiness Resources Act here.

###