Guard Cuts in Congressional Crosshairs

Pentagon plans to reduce Air and Army National Guard end strength are facing an uphill battle, as lawmakers rally to fight any reduction and, possibly, call for an increase in the Army Guard. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) now intends to bring the resolution introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) to the floor, probably after the Administration releases its 2007 defense budget, according to Congressional Quarterly. Most of the early rhetoric is focused on the Army Guard, but lawmakers at the national and state level are keeping an eye on Air Force plans to cut the Air Guard.