Texas Governor Greg Abbott strongly opposed a proposal that could move Air National Guard members into Space Force roles without the consent of their respective state governors.
Abbott, who has clashed with the president on a number of issues, said in a letter to President Biden that the proposal poses an “intolerable threat” to the National Guard.
“This proposal would give the Secretary of the Air Force unilateral authority to transfer Air National Guard units to the Space Force without the governor’s consent,” Abbott said in a May 3 letter.
Polish metal detectors discover 400-year-old combat equipment: ‘unique discovery’
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (right) is calling on President Biden to halt a proposal to transfer the Air National Guard to support the Space Force with the consent of the state’s governors. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images | USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters Connect)
On Monday, he called it a “power grab.”
Republican governors argued that the measure would remove governors as commanders of the National Guard in each state and U.S. territory.
“By departing from this prudent arrangement and allowing the Secretary to disband National Guard units on a whim, Legislative Proposition 480 would set a dangerous precedent,” he added. “The Texas National Guard must remain ready to respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, and cartel activity that threaten our way of life.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House.
Texas National Guard members watch over migrants at the southern border. (James Breeden of the New York Post)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In April, Mr. Abbott and dozens of other governors sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin asking him to cancel LP480.
They argued it would weaken or limit the National Guard’s authority and threaten its readiness and efficiency.
