Bill > S2688

This bill extends the authority over the District of Columbia's National Guard from the President of the United States to the Mayor of the District of Columbia, effectively granting the Mayor similar powers that state Governors have over their respective National Guard units. The legislation makes comprehensive changes to multiple existing laws, including the 1889 militia organization act and various sections of federal code related to National Guard operations. Specifically, the bill transfers key responsibilities such as appointing and retiring commissioned officers, calling National Guard units to duty, conducting general courts martial, managing reserve corps, and overseeing personnel matters from the President to the Mayor. The changes also include technical amendments to federal statutes that reference the National Guard's leadership, replacing mentions of the "commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard" with "the Mayor of the District of Columbia." This bill represents a significant shift in local governance by giving the District of Columbia's elected mayor more direct control over its military reserve force, similar to the home rule principles that allow state governors to manage their own National Guard units.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2688/all-info