Since the transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration, the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. We are witnessing sweeping personnel and budget cuts alongside a profound transformation of our military, emphasizing a return to the “Warrior Ethos.” This shift aims to create a more agile and lethal force, ready to respond to the challenges of our time.
We need to remain well-informed and prepared for these evolving dynamics. We must engage in thoughtful analysis, advocate for meaningful recommendations, and champion necessary changes to ensure our readiness in this rapidly changing landscape.
In February, we held one of our most productive legislative workshops, where we gained valuable insights from all of you about the need for current information on developments. It is equally important that we hear from you in the field regarding what is happening so we can determine where to engage.
All of Washington is focused on The Big Beautiful Bill, HR 1, which passed in the House by just a single vote, 215-214, and is now in the hands of the Senate. There is opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, and we can expect some changes.
The critical question will be whether the Senate has enough votes to pass its version and, if it does, how the House will respond. The intent is to have the bill on the president’s desk by July 4, which leaves little time.
One concern arising from the House version of HR 1 is the proposed changes to federal employee benefits, which would affect national federal employees and technicians. The changes include the elimination of the FERS Annuity Supplement, increased retirement contributions or loss of protections, and undermining the merit-based civil service system.
EANGUS has issued a Call to Action, and we need all of you to contact your senators to advocate for the removal of this language from the House bill. For more information, visit our legislative page at www.eangus.org/legislative.
Congress is also working on a rescissions bill, which allows Congress to withdraw funding that has been previously appropriated but not yet spent. President Trump wants $9.4 billion to be returned and reallocated toward his priorities.
General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), testified on May 20, 2025, before the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense and on May 22, 2025, before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee. Both hearings focused on the 2026 budget for reserve components; however, the president had not yet released his 2026 budget proposal at the time of the hearings.
Gen. Nordhaus emphasized the National Guard’s unique dual role in fulfilling both state and federal missions, representing 20% of the joint force while accounting for only 4% of the budget. The National Guard provided 40% of the Army’s and 30% of the Air Force’s operational forces. He also highlighted the importance of the State Partnership Program (SPP) and the need for consistent funding.
A bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) to eliminate federal taxes on all bonuses. Additionally, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has sponsored S. 1856, which aims to amend the IRS Code of 1986 to exclude military bonuses from gross income. We will be contacting their respective offices to determine how we can support the advancement of these bills.
Exciting news ahead!
Here’s the latest update on the legislative priorities for EANGUS. Stay informed and engaged!
HR 1423 & S 649 – Guard & Reserve Parity Act (White Paper)
This bill aims to amend Title 38 of the U.S. Code to expand 9/11 Educational Assistance to members of the National Guard. HR 1423 had a hearing conducted in the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and was forwarded by the Subcommittee to the Full Committee by voice vote. The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs conducted a hearing on May 21, 2025.
HR 1851 & S 873 – Fighter Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 (White Paper)
This legislation mandates that the Air National Guard shall maintain no fewer than 25 fighter aircraft squadrons, including the 25 squadrons that existed as of December 23, 2024. The bill has been read twice in the Senate and referred to the Armed Services Committee. In the House, it has also been referred to the House Armed Services Committee.
HR 2042 & S 963 – Space National Guard Establishment Act (LP 480)
The Space National Guard will serve as the reserve component of the Space Force, with all its members being part of the Space National Guard. The National Governors Association opposes LP 480 and aims to retain authority over the National Guard in their respective states.
S 489 – Air Guard Status Act 2025
The Secretary of the Air Force will establish a permanent program to cover all or part of the tuition or expenses for members of the Air National Guard at educational institutions. This bill has been read twice in the Senate and referred to the Armed Services Committee.
HR 1695 & S 807 – Guard Readiness Resources Act
This act allows any funds received by the National Guard Bureau as reimbursement from a state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, or the Virgin Islands for the use of military property. It has been read twice in the Senate and referred to the Armed Services Committee, as well as to the House Armed Services Committee.
HR 2102 & S 1032 – Richard Star Act (White Paper)
This bill provides for the concurrent receipt of veterans’ disability compensation and retired pay for retirees with combat-related disabilities. Currently, only veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount from the Department of Defense Retirement and VA Disability. The bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Notably, a coalition of 71 senators and 276 representatives is supporting these bills, backed by every major Military Service Organization (MSO) and Veterans Service Organization (VSO). This level of support underscores the importance of this initiative and its potential impact!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding legislation, please get in touch with our Executive Director, John Gipe, at johngipe@eangus.org
