CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill requiring a declaration of war from Congress before members of the West Virginia National Guard can be sent overseas could be on a House of Delegates committee agenda soon.
Delegate Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, got his bill moving during Tuesday’s House floor session when he attempted to discharge the veterans committee from the legislation. The attempt, which would have moved the bill to the judiciary committee, failed on a 50-50 tie vote.
McGeehan said too many members of the Guard are being deployed to far away places for undeclared wars.
“West Virginia Guardsmen should be here at home. They should be tending to floods when they happen, natural disasters, helping out the community,” McGeehan said.
His bill would require Congress to make a declaration of war before Guard members could be sent overseas. Several speakers during Tuesday’s debate criticized Congress for its inaction.
Delegate Tom Bibby, R-Berkeley, said he would put the bill on his committee’s agenda although he said he didn’t think there was a chance of making it through the entire legislative session.
McGeehan said the issue needs a full debate.
“It’s worth debating. At the very least it’s worth debating. Whether you vote for the bill in the end or not it’s worth debating this subject,” McGeehan said.