Governors Ask Congress To Restore Critical National Guard Funding

Governor Janet Napolitano joined her colleagues from 4 other states today in calling for full funding of the “Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)” Program for the states’ National Guard Units. The Predator, a drone aircraft that is capable of flying for extended periods of time & can be used for border security, reconnaissance & battlefield support, is considered to be an emerging mission for the military, & critical for National Guard personnel to be included in training & use of the aircraft.

The letter, addressed to members of the Defense subcommittees of the. U.S. House & Senate Appropriations committees, who are preparing the conference report for next fiscal year’s defense appropriations bill, calls for restoring $76.7 million in funds for the Predator program. It is signed by Governors Napolitano, Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, George Pataki of New York, John Hoeven of North Dakota, & Rick Perry of Texas.

“We write this letter not only because our Air National Guards will be the next units to receive the Predator mission, but because the Predator is 1 of the most vital tools used by our armed forces in the fight against terrorism,” states the letter. “Our Air National Guard units stand ready to serve our country by performing this essential mission.”

Napolitano fought to win back Predator funding after Congress had slashed its budget. Napolitano & the other Governors risk losing it again if Congress does not appropriate the necessary funds to pay for the Predator mission.