not make cuts to the National Guard. The NG is a low-cost operational force for local emergencies and overseas missions.

The Fiscal Year 2015 Budget cuts Guard personnel by 20,000 members. Although our overseas missions are declining our future local emergencies/disasters are unknown and NG support is relied on by local governments. In addition to deploying overseas each State NG is deeply involved within their respective communities through programs such as Project Challenge (at-risk youth program), National Guard Counter Drug Program (educating local communities on reducing/preventing drug use/assisting local law enforcement with counterdrug and counter-narcoterrorism support), and training with first responders. The NG is a cost-effective operational force serving both domestic and foreign missions. Investing in the NG helps maintain their readiness for this dual mission. Don't cut the National Guard.