The Lone Star State and the federal government have had a rocky relationship since—well pretty much always. These days, the use of the Texas National Guard along the U.S.-Mexico border continues to complicate matters and now, in an election year, many voters are signaling another frustration. State of Texas Proposition 6 aims to curtail the use of the Texas National Guard for foreign deployment without a formal Congressional declaration of war. This is a sentiment felt in many other states that are also bringing up similar measures to Proposition 6.
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What Is Proposition 6 in Texas?
State of Texas Proposition 6 presented by the Texas GOP asks if, “The Texas Legislature should prohibit the deployment of the Texas National Guard to a foreign conflict unless Congress first formally declares war.”
The purpose of Proposition 6 in Texas is to gauge how voters feel about the deployment of the National Guard for conflicts that aren’t formally declared wars on foreign soil.
A majority of Texas Republicans approved the measure in the Lone Star State’s primary election. This shows strong support to keep troops out of harm’s way when conflicts are not formal.
This has been a topic of debate for many states. Residents are questioning the lack of Congressional approval for military action.
Bring Our Troops Home is the organization behind Texas Proposition 6. They are stopping the involvement of troops in forever wars as seen in the Middle East.
The idea isn’t to stop the use of the National Guard for the defense of the United States but rather to limit their deployment outside of necessary conflicts officially approved by Congress.
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Engaging in War (Without Declaring It)
The last time the United States declared war may be longer than you think. In fact, you’ll have to go back to World War II in order to find the last declaration of war from Congress.
This is why many governments, including Arizona, Idaho, New Hampshire, and more are among the 30+ states that have measures similar to State of Texas Propositions 6.
One important point, however, is that although some voters don’t want the National Guard deployed, federal laws can override state laws even if a measure were to pass. This may be one reason deployments continue even though war hasn’t been declared since 1942 from the United States.
Even during post-9/11 conflicts, there were two Authorized Use of Military Force joint resolution laws that made mobilizing the National Guard a reality.
Texas Proposition 6 becoming a law is doubtful and even if it does, its implementation is unlikely to be executable. Especially as legislation has changed how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Guard operate together over the years.
With that being said, there are still a lot of overtones involving the state and federal power struggles involving Texas and the use of its National Guard.
State of Texas Proposition 6 Comes at a Time When the National Guard Is in the Spotlight
Voting on the State of Texas Proposition 6 has no relation to the current actions of the National Guard. However, it is not seperate.
The federal government wants to access parts of Texas. They are undermining some of the state’s National Guard actions. To say there is pushback would be putting things lightly.
Debates about the current U.S.-Mexico border situation that has an influx of illegal immigrants continue but fit more of the description of what Guardsman are to do.
Under normal circumstances, states control the National Guard. However, if there are missions or training involving the federal government, control transfers to the federal level.
Federalizing the National Guard can only happen if the force is called to act as a militia to stop an invasion or maintain peace. It can also happen if Guardsmen are serving in the Army Reserve.
Politicians and voters alike are supporting State of Texas Proposition 6 but where we go from here is unclear. Meanwhile, the conversation about deployment and the guidelines under the U.S. Constitution continues.
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