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Texas Gov. Abbott calls National Guard, Space Force proposal a 'power grab'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expressed strong opposition to a proposal that could transfer members of the Air National Guard to the Space Force without the consent of their respective governors. In a letter to President Biden, Abbott described the proposal as an "intolerable threat" to the National Guard and criticized the measure as a "power grab." He argued that the proposal would undermine governors' authority as commanders-in-chief of their state's National Guard units and could set a dangerous precedent by allowing the Secretary of the Air Force to unilaterally transfer units without gubernatorial consent. Abbott emphasized the importance of National Guard units being ready to respond to local emergencies, such as natural disasters and border security issues. In April, Abbott and other governors called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discontinue the proposal, citing concerns that it would weaken their authority and threaten the readiness and efficiency of the National Guard.