HOUSE BILL REPORT
SJM 8008
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs
Brief Description: Calling for a National Guard Stryker Brigade stationed on the west coast.
Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Roach, Conway, Miloscia, Hatfield, King, Bailey, Keiser, Billig, Padden, Mullet, Ericksen, Frockt, Fraser and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 3/16/15, 3/19/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Appleton, Chair; Robinson, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hawkins, Moscoso and Sawyer.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
A Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Stryker Brigade) is a deployable unit of the United States Army that is structured to fill the gap between mobilization of the Army's light combat units and heavy armored combat units. Stryker Brigades employ the Stryker vehicle, which is an interim armored vehicle that is less heavily equipped than a tank, but more equipped than a light utility vehicle, such as the Humvee. Since 2003 Stryker Brigades have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Two Army Striker Brigade Combat Teams are currently located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
An Armored Brigade Combat Team is an Army unit that operates heavy armored vehicles, such as tanks. The 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team is part of the Army National Guard, with headquarters at the Washington National Guard, Camp Murray and units in Washington and California. The 81st Armored Brigade has deployed overseas on multiple occasions, and also has been called upon by the Governor for support in response to various state emergencies.
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Summary of Bill:
The Legislature transmits a request to the President, Congress, and the National Guard Bureau to convert the 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard into a Stryker Brigade Combat Team with units in Washington, Oregon, and California.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Converting the 81st Armored Brigade to a Stryker Brigade is the first strategic priority for the Washington National Guard. A Stryker Brigade would be a great asset to the Washington National Guard to respond to natural disasters. Stryker vehicles are more responsive and mobile for domestic use in case of emergencies. It makes sense to locate a new Stryker Brigade on the West Coast because the Army Stryker Center for Excellence is already located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It also would provide strategic placement in proximity to Asia. Stryker vehicles would be located in Washington, Oregon and California, where they would be prepared to respond to domestic emergencies, including earthquakes.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Hobbs, prime sponsor; and Major Bret Daugherty, Washington Military Department.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.