Wisconsin governors could challenge orders to federalize the state's National Guard, under legislation being introduced at the Capitol.
The proposal from state Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) would require the governor to review any order to put National Guard troops on federal active duty. If a governor found the orders were questionable and not justified, they could challenge them in federal court.
The Madison Democrat says the legislation is in response to concerns that the federal government no longer has the authority to call Wisconsin National Guard troops to serve in Iraq. He says questions have been raised about whether that authority has expired, and the federal government shouldn't be able to take authority over those troops.
If approved, Black says the measure would not impact Wisconsin National Guard members currently called to active duty.