Calvert Remarks at Oversight Hearing on National Guard and Reserves Forces

Today, the subcommittee will convene for an open oversight hearing to receive testimony on the National Guard and Reserve Forces. 

We are pleased to be joined by General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Lieutenant General Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve. Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, Chief of Navy Reserve. Lieutenant General Leonard Anderson, Commander, Marine Corps Reserve. And Lieutenant General John Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve. A warm welcome to you all and thank you for your years of distinguished service. The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve Forces wear the uniform not only in times of war, but in times of peace, recovery, and crisis. The Guard and Reserve are not simply backup forces.

They are citizen-soldiers who are our neighbors, co-workers, and constituents who stand ready to serve at a moment’s notice.  They fight overseas, but they also fight wildfires in California and respond to hurricanes and natural disasters throughout our country.  And the National Guard serves with our partners around the world through the State Partnership Program to build critical capabilities for our allies. Most importantly, they have also been on the frontlines in protecting our border to ensure the flow of deadly fentanyl is stopped. What makes these service members unique is not just their versatility – it’s their dual commitment. They balance civilian careers and military obligations with extraordinary professionalism. But that balance is not without cost. 

That is why we must ensure the Guard and Reserve receive the same level of equipment modernization and training resources as their active duty counterparts. That will require smart, sustained investment. This committee has long supported the Guard and Reserves through the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account, including $850 million in Fiscal Year 2025. I am interested in hearing from you what more can be done through that account to ensure you can continue your great work. I also look forward to hearing from all of the witnesses on how you are thinking about innovation, taking calculated risks, and retaining talent to address growing career areas such as AI and cyber.  What additional resources could Congress look at providing to make your organizations more successful.

Lastly, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on specific areas that equipment and modernization efforts would apply to your organization.  Where do you see current gaps that are preventing the Guard or Reserves from being able to train and integrate with Active Duty forces. I now recognize the distinguished Ranking Member, Ms. McCollum, for her opening remarks.