Government Shutdown Advocacy
Earlier this month, the federal government experienced a brief shutdown. While it lasted longer than hoped, it was shorter than many feared. Even so, the disruption once again highlighted the vulnerability of National Guard members during funding lapses.
EANGUS used this moment to press Congress and the Administration on permanent legislative solutions, emphasizing that Guard members should never be placed in financial jeopardy due to political gridlock.
Key advocacy efforts:
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Shutdown Fairness Act: EANGUS continues to advocate for legislation that would ensure National Guard members are paid during any future government shutdown.
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National Guard Relief Foundation (NGRF) Recognition: EANGUS is urging Congress to formally recognize the National Guard Relief Foundation under Title 10 U.S. Code as an official military relief society. This change would allow Guard servicemembers and families to access emergency support more quickly and effectively when shutdowns or other crises occur.
Congress’s strong desire to avoid future shutdowns has created meaningful opportunities for engagement, and these conversations are gaining traction.
In parallel, EANGUS has continued discussions with members of Congress on Duty Status Reform, emphasizing how inconsistent duty authorities create inequities in pay, benefits, and protections for Guard members.
These conversations have been productive, and support is steadily building. Lawmakers increasingly recognize that Duty Status Reform is not just a Guard issue, but a readiness and fairness issue for the entire Joint Force.
Supporting Broader Guard and Veteran Priorities
In addition to shutdown-related advocacy, EANGUS has supported several pieces of legislation aimed at improving outcomes for Guardmembers and Veterans.
One example is the Veterans’ Bill of Rights, which would strengthen transparency, accountability, and access within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation would help ensure Veterans are clearly informed of their benefits, treated with respect and dignity, protected from retaliation, and able to access care, file complaints, and appeal decisions in a fair and timely manner.
For Veterans in particular, these types of reforms help reinforce that access to VA care and benefits should be consistent and understandable, regardless of component or duty history.
Looking Ahead to the NDAA and Legislative Workshop
EANGUS’s top three priorities for the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are:
• Duty Status Reform
• Shutdown Fairness Act
• Recognition of the National Guard Relief Foundation
These priorities, along with other Guard issues, will be front and center at next month’s EANGUS Legislative Workshop in Washington, D.C.
👉 Register here: https://eangus.org/2026-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/