STATE OF SENATE CHAMBER 115 STATE STREET MONTPELIER, VT 05633-5201 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 6,2018

Statement by Vermont Senators On President Trump's Request to Mobilize National Guard Members to the U.S./Mexico Border

Montpelier- In the last twenty-four hours Vermont experienced a serious wind event that threatened public safety. Today, crews are cleaning up. While they have not been called upon in this instance, it is precisely in moments like these that Vermonters are so proud and grateful to have such a well-trained Vermont National Guard ready and able to serve.

Also in the last twenty-four hours President Trump, in his latest attempt to fulfill discredited immigration policies, asked Governors to supply Guard members to be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border. What type of message does this request send to one of our most important international partners?

We hope Governor Scott will not consent to sending a single Vermont Guard member on this ill-considered mission unless required under federal law. Instead, Vermont Guard members should stay right here in Vermont, training to serve their neighbors or other Americans facing natural disasters, or to be available for Congressionally-supported military obligations at home and abroad. Senator Tim Ashe Senator Claire Ayer Senator Senator Senator Christopher Bray Senator Francis Brooks Senator Brian Campion Senator Allison Clarkson Senator Senator Senator Senator Ginny Lyons Senator Mark MacDonald Senator Senator Richard McCormack Senator Senator Chris Pearson Senator Anthony PoBina Senator John Rodgers Senator Richard Sears Senator Senator Robert Starr Senator