Last week’s State Presidents and Legislative Workshops provided EANGUS members from across the nation an opportunity to learn, network, and embody the mission of the association through advocacy in Washington, D.C.
The workshops were followed by visits to Capitol Hill, where EANGUS members engaged with their elected representatives and spread the word about our legislative priorities.
This work pays off. Two of the association’s top priorities were introduced in the 119th Congress last week, which means the Enlisted voice is being heard.
The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act was reintroduced by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA), Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA). The bipartisan bill and its Senate companion are supported by many military service organizations including EANGUS.
The bill aims to ensure that members of the Guard and Reserves receive credit toward Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for every day in uniform, including drills, trainings, and natural disaster responses.
“This legislation helps to right that shortfall by granting GI Bill parity for the Guard. Every day in uniform counts! It should count for educational benefits as well, including its retroactivity to 9/11. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard wholeheartedly supports this legislation and seeks for its swift passage,” said CSM (Retired) Robert “Bob” Sweeney, President, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has reintroduced the Guarding Readiness Resources Act with Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), which addresses longstanding disparities in federal reimbursements for state-directed missions. Both EANGUS, NGAUS, and Congress members on both sides of the aisle support this bill that would alleviate funding gaps
“EANGUS stands ready to work alongside Senator Lee and other congressional leaders to advance this bill. Our members, the backbone of the National Guard, deserve nothing less than full recognition and fair treatment for their dedication to our nation,” said EANGUS Vice President Josh Baker in a press release.
These bills represent not only the continued payoff of our advocacy on Capitol Hill, but the dedication and resolve of our association’s members. For more resources from the 2025 Presidents & Legislative Workshops, including presentations, white papers, and photos, visit eangus.org/2025-state-presidents-legislative-workshops/.
(Pictured L-R) EANGUS Legislative Chair Jeremy Thompson, Militia Award recipient Ali Feinswog, Interim Executive Director Frank Yoakum, and Vice President Josh Baker at the 2025 EANGUS Legislative Awards Reception