109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4983
To recognize the exemplary service of the National Guard in Iraq
and to direct the President to begin the redeployment of United States military
forces from Iraq, starting with National Guard units.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 16, 2006
Mr. BLUMENAUER introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on
Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned
A BILL
To recognize the exemplary service of the National Guard in Iraq
and to direct the President to begin the redeployment of United States military
forces from Iraq, starting with National Guard units.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `First Step to Redeployment Act of 2006'.
SEC. 2. RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL GUARD.
(a) Findings- The Congress finds the following:
(1) The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have carried out
their mission in Iraq with courage, professionalism, and honor.
(2) Units and personnel of the National Guard have been a major component
of United States military forces in Iraq.
(3) Since the start of the occupation of Iraq, the Iraqi people have successfully
voted in three elections, approved a constitution, and established a government.
(4) United States national security interests, as well as the future stability
of Iraq, would now be best served by the phased redeployment of United
States military forces from Iraq and refocused political, diplomatic,
and reconstruction efforts.
(5) The extended deployments of National Guard units in Iraq have placed
an undue burden on the families of members of the National Guard, the
communities in which the members live, and the States.
(6) The National Guard is a critical element of the Total Force concept
of the Armed Forces.
(7) Because of the dual role of the National Guard under the Constitution
to both the Federal Government and the various States, including the States'
reliance on the National Guard for disaster response and homeland defense,
the redeployment of Armed Forces from Iraq should begin with the redeployment
of the National Guard.
(b) Congressional Recognition- Congress--
(1) expresses its deep appreciation to the members of the National Guard
and all other members of the Armed Forces for their service and commends
their achievements, their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families;
(2) declares that there is no more capable soldier than the citizen-soldiers
of the National Guard;
(3) reaffirms the critical role of the National Guard in defending the
United States, carrying out combat missions, responding to domestic emergencies
and disasters, and securing the homeland;
(4) recognizes the importance of the National Guard in ensuring a connection
between the military and local communities; and
(5) opposes any attempt to reduce the role of the National Guard within
the Total Force concept of the Armed Forces.
SEC. 3. REDEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM IRAQ.
The President shall begin the redeployment of United States Armed Forces
from Iraq, starting with the orderly redeployment of National Guard units.
END
