Establishing WV Defend the Guard Act

SB 468, the "WV Defend the Guard Act," would require the U.S. Congress to officially declare war or take a specific constitutional action (such as calling the militia to repel invasion or suppress insurrection) before the West Virginia National Guard can be deployed for active combat. The bill defines "active combat" as participation in armed conflict, hazardous foreign service, or war-related duties, and mandates that the Guard remain under state control until Congress meets these requirements. The Governor of West Virginia would be required to enforce this rule, preventing National Guard deployment to combat without a formal war declaration or specific congressional authorization.