top of page
Search

Help us Protect Hawaii’s National Guard

  • Writer: Abbra Green
    Abbra Green
  • Apr 1
  • 3 min read

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

("U.S. Const. amend. 10)


     The Libertarian Party of Hawaii is committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the decision to go to war rests firmly with the people and their elected representatives. Our “Defend the Guard” bill aims to prohibit the deployment of National Guard units into active combat without a formal declaration of war by Congress. 


     The primary goal of the Defend the Guard legislation is to restore the balance of war powers between the federal government and the states. As articulated in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds the exclusive authority to declare war. The Defend the Guard movement holds that state legislators have a civic responsibility to demand adherence to this constitutional mandate.


Frequently Asked Questions:


Do states have a role in the decision to send U.S. troops overseas?

     Yes, states play a crucial role in this decision under the Tenth Amendment. This amendment affirms that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. The Founding Fathers intended for states to have a voice in significant policy matters, especially regarding war.


How can state legislatures participate in this movement?

By enacting Defend the Guard legislation, state governments can block the deployment of National Guard units into combat unless authorized by Congress. Their system for checks and balances can constrain the federal government from engaging in endless wars and ensure adherence to the U.S. Constitution.


How does this legislation relate to current military authorizations?

The common practice of Congress adopting an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is a political workaround that allows the Executive branch to bypass its constitutional obligations. Our legislation emphasizes that an AUMF does not equate to a formal declaration of war.


Has such legislation been introduced in other states?

Yes, Defend the Guard legislation was first introduced in West Virginia in 2015 and has been presented annually since. While it has garnered bipartisan support, it has yet to pass due to political maneuvering. Our goal is to build on this momentum in Hawaii and secure sponsorship for our own bill.


Can states refuse to comply with federal demands?

While the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress can authorize the federal government to call National Guard units for training, it has not addressed whether states can withhold their troops from combat deployments absent a congressional declaration of war. We believe such authority should be upheld if challenged.


Activism Packet

     The Libertarian Party of Hawaii has created a  comprehensive resource designed to equip you with the tools necessary to engage with legislators, rally support, and elevate advocacy efforts. 


What's Inside the Activism Packet?


     Join us in advocating the protection of our armed forces and their Constitutional rights. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii invites all citizens who value constitutional governance to join us in advocating for the Defend the Guard bill. Together, we can take a stand for peace and accountability.


     Download your free Defend the Guard Hawaii Activism Packet and become an active voice for change. It’s time we bring them home.



Comments

bottom of page