Bill > S2599

This bill modifies the selection process for the State Partnership Program (SPP), a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative that pairs U.S. states' National Guard units with foreign countries to build military and diplomatic relationships. Specifically, the bill requires the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to change how they analyze and select states for new international partnerships by considering two key factors: first, the number of existing partnerships already assigned to a state's National Guard, and second, giving preferential treatment to states that currently have only one active country partnership. This means that when determining which state National Guard will be assigned to a new international partnership, the selection process will now prioritize states with fewer existing global engagements, potentially creating more balanced international military cooperation across different states. The bill directs the Secretary of Defense to update Department of Defense Instruction 5111.20 (or its successor document) to implement these selection analysis changes.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2599/all-info