James M. Jeffords: “it is widely known that our nation can no longer commit military force to conflicts, national emergencies and…”

“it is widely known that our nation can no longer commit military force to conflicts, national emergencies and contingency operations without the participation of our National Guard and Reserves. This is expressly provided in our national military strategy. It is confirmed by the 300% increase in the pace of operations for our National Guard alone since Operation Desert Storm. While I enthusiastically support the full integration of our reserve components into a seamless Total Force, I recognize its potential to seriously affect our nation's small businesses. In most communities across this nation small businesses sustain the local economy, yet many of these businesses rely upon key employees, owners or managers who are also Guard members or Reservists subject to being called away to active duty. On Tuesday, the President approved the call-up of 33,102 members of the Selected Reserve to active duty in support of NATO operations in Yugoslavia. We cannot ignore the impact of this on our small businesses. The challenge is upon us. That is why I am happy to join Senator Kerry in introducing the Military Reservists Small Business Relief Act.”