(BOSTON 7/21/2025) — This week, S.2183 – An Act elevating the National Guard to a cabinet level position was advanced by the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The bill, introduced by Second Worcester District Senator Michael Moore, would eliminate layers of bureaucracy and minimize risks of miscommunication during emergencies by bringing the leader of the Massachusetts National Guard into the Governor’s cabinet.
The Massachusetts National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army and Air Force that operates in part under state authority. The Guard responds to an array of domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions, and more. Guard soldiers can be called upon at any time by either the State Governor, or the President of the United States with permission, as they are trained to respond to natural disasters and civil emergencies, and to support federal military missions. Currently, the Guard must report to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who then reports to the governor – creating risk of delays or miscommunications in situations where urgent response is necessary.
“The Massachusetts National Guard exists to protect and assist Bay Staters in emergencies, but none of that matters if command gets caught up in bureaucracy or reports from the ground are miscommunicated through a game of telephone between the Governor and the Adjutant General,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “This common-sense legislation elevates the leader of the National Guard to the Governor’s cabinet, streamlining communication and recognizing the importance of the role the Guard plays in the security of the Commonwealth. In emergencies, seconds matter – allowing the head of the state government to correspond directly with the commander of its protecting force will save lives.”
Beyond elevating the National Guard Adjutant General to the Governor’s cabinet, this legislation also creates the Executive Office of the Military Division, of which the Adjutant General will serve as the secretary and report to the Governor. This office will centralize communications between the Guard and state and local first responders to coordinate responses.
In June, the urgency of this legislation was highlighted by President Trump’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles despite the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Additionally, with the increasing instability of international relations, national security threats are becoming more and more prominent. As the United States approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, during which Massachusetts will host seven games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, it is imperative that our Commonwealth’s first line of defense has a direct line of communication with the leader of our state to keep our constituents and visitors safe, as well as to protect against overreach of power from a federal administration that has already demonstrated its willingness to do so.
Having been advanced by the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, the bill now moves forward to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means for further review.
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