Eric Schmitt: “One thing my friend did not mention is this also affects Washington, DC. Another reason I oppose this amendment is it…”

“One thing my friend did not mention is this also affects Washington, DC. Another reason I oppose this amendment is it would weaken Federal authority over the DC National Guard and hinder its ability to respond to a crisis. Cooperation with the Mayor of DC is valuable, but collaboration does not require granting the Mayor Commander-in-Chief powers over a Federal military force. The President must retain that authority to ensure unity in command in a rapid, coordinated Federal response when it is needed most. I ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”