Senator Hirono Questions National Guard Use for Immigration Enforcement

Concerns Over National Guard Deployment

• ⚠️ Senator Hirono expresses significant concerns regarding the deployment of 10,000 soldiers and 20,000 National Guardsmen to the southern border for immigration enforcement.
• 🎯 The core issue raised is the use of military personnel for tasks outside the Department of Defense's (DoD) mission, specifically for immigration enforcement functions.

Commitment on Law Enforcement Functions

• ❓ Senator Hirono directly questions the Secretary of Defense, asking for a commitment to not support requests to use National Guard personnel for core law enforcement functions like arrests and detentions.
• ⚖️ The Secretary commits to not using the National Guard for any unlawful use, stating that current plans are legally permissible.
• 🤔 Hirono counters that the President's priorities might lead to actions perceived as illegal, emphasizing the need for a clear commitment against using the National Guard for law enforcement purposes.

Indo-Pacific National Security and Training Areas

• 🔑 A critical national security focus is the Indo-Pacific region, with ongoing negotiations for training areas in Hawaii, including Pohakuloa.
• 🗓️ These lease negotiations must be completed successfully, as the current leases expire in 2029, impacting military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
• 🌺 The training lands also hold significant cultural significance for the Native Hawaiian community.
• 🙏 Hirono seeks a commitment to work closely and in good faith with state officials, the community, and the Hawaii congressional delegation on these negotiations.

Innovative Sustainment Solutions

• 💡 The Army's focus on innovative sustainment solutions like 3D printing is applauded for addressing long lead times and production delays.
• 💰 An example cited is a part that cost $20 from the private sector being 3D printed for just 16 cents by the Army's material command.
• 🚀 A provision in the NDAA directs the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility in Hawaii to support all services, which General is supporting.
• 🛠️ The discussion touches upon the importance of advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, and the