Protecting Service Members and State Sovereignty
Posted by Anastasia Wilford · April 14, 2025
The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) supports House Bill 930, which ensures that the Texas National Guard may only be deployed into active combat duty if Congress has issued a formal declaration of war or has acted in accordance with its constitutional authority. This legislation upholds LPTexas’s commitment to constitutional governance, non-interventionist principles, and responsible stewardship of state military resources.
Restoring Congressional Authority Over War Powers
HB 930 reinforces the constitutional principle that only Congress may declare war. It prevents unauthorized federal deployment of the Texas National Guard, requiring that any activation into combat zones be explicitly sanctioned by Congress.
Defending State Sovereignty and the Role of the Guard
The Texas National Guard exists to serve the people of Texas—responding to state emergencies and supporting local needs. HB 930 ensures the Guard is not misused in foreign conflicts that have not been properly authorized, preserving the Guard’s primary purpose and protecting state autonomy.
Upholding Non-Interventionist Values
LPTexas strongly opposes entanglement in foreign wars without clear objectives and legal justification. HB 930 aligns with our non-interventionist philosophy, requiring legitimate constitutional authority before committing Texas troops to foreign combat.
Protecting Service Members and Families
Deploying Guard members without proper legal authorization exposes them and their families to undue hardship. HB 930 ensures that any such deployment is lawful, justified, and constitutionally sound.
Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to pass HB 930 to protect Texas service members, uphold the U.S. Constitution, and defend the rights of states to resist unauthorized federal military action.