Representative Carra (R-Three Rivers) and Representative Wegela (D-Garden City) introduced HB 4163 and HB 4164, a bill package designed to promote peace by keeping our National Guard service members out of foreign conflicts. House Bill 4163 provides that Michigan’s National Guard service members cannot be called into active duty without an official declaration of war by the United States Congress. House Bill 4164 defines relevant terms and details the scope of the legislation. Rep. Carra issued the following statement on the legislation:

“Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 establishes that Congress has the authority to declare war. The United States has waged forever wars in faraway lands for decades, even though Congress has not officially declared war since World War II. This bill package is a true bipartisan solution to address the breach in the constitutional process, and it promotes dignity and respect for those serving in Michigan’s National Guard.

“The brave men and women who serve in Michigan’s National Guard deserve this urgently needed legislation to best honor their sacrifices by adhering to constitutional procedure. Unconstitutionally endangering the National Guard is both reckless and morally reprehensible. Our service members are not for sale to the interests of the military-industrial complex. The willingness to sacrifice for one’s country is honorable, and the decision to send our servicemembers into war must be deliberated and approved by Congress.

“Interventionist policies have already claimed the lives of far too many Michiganders. This legislation aims to prevent the improper endangerment of our beloved National Guard.”

HB 4163 and HB 4164 were referred to the Committee on Government Operations.