Sponsors
The bill increases transparency in how State Partnership Program ties are awarded and favors states with only one partner by raising their chances for another partnership, at the cost of reducing opportunities for already well‑partnered states and imposing a small administrative burden on DoD/NGB.
All states and DoD personnel: selection criteria for the State Partnership Program will be codified and made more transparent and consistent, reducing ambiguity in partnership decisions.
States that currently have only one partner (and their National Guard personnel): greater likelihood of receiving an additional international partnership, increasing training, engagement, and interoperability opportunities.
States already hosting multiple partnerships (and their Guards): reduced chance of receiving new partnerships, which could limit training opportunities and local economic benefits tied to partnership activities.
National Guard Bureau and DoD staff: added administrative work to revise instructions and track partnership counts, requiring staff time and minor resources.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires DoD to revise guidance so the Chief of the National Guard Bureau favors States with only one State Partnership Program partner when assigning new partnerships.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Marion Michael Rounds · Last progress July 31, 2025
Requires the Secretary of Defense to change Department of Defense guidance so that, when the Chief of the National Guard Bureau evaluates and assigns State Partnership Program relationships, the Chief must consider how many partnerships a State already has and give preference to States that have only one active partner. The change directs internal DoD policy only and does not authorize new spending or change legal authorities for the program.