WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) have introduced the Space National Guard Establishment Act, aiming to create a Space National Guard (SNG) as the reserve component of the U.S. Space Force (USSF). ​

The proposed legislation seeks to integrate existing Air National Guard units performing space missions into the SNG, aligning reserve forces more closely with the Space Force’s operational structure. This move is intended to enhance efficiency and readiness of space operations without necessitating additional personnel or infrastructure. ​

The bill also addresses concerns related to Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480), a provision in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the Department of the Air Force to transfer Air National Guard units performing space missions to the USSF without the consent of state governors. This aspect of LP 480 has faced opposition from all 55 U.S. governors, who argue that it undermines state authority over National Guard units. ​

Proponents of the Space National Guard Establishment Act argue that it offers a balanced solution by maintaining state control over National Guard units while ensuring that space operations are effectively integrated into the Space Force’s mission. The bill proposes the establishment of 14 SNG units across seven states—Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Ohio—utilizing existing facilities and infrastructure. ​

The legislation has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), who view it as a commonsense approach to preserving the integrity and readiness of the National Guard’s space operations. ​

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it reflects a concerted effort to adapt the nation’s defense structures to the evolving demands of space operations, balancing federal and state interests in the management of National Guard units.