AL SJR163

Urges Congress to enact the Guardians of Freedom Act of 2011, sponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller and Representative Nick Rahall, to elevate the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to full Joint Chiefs of Staff membership.

Grants the National Guard Bureau Chief voting rights on Joint Chiefs of Staff decisions affecting the National Guard, providing equal status with the chiefs of staff of the four military services.

Recognizes National Guard and Reserve members' contributions to the war on terrorism, Middle East operations, Afghanistan deployment, and domestic homeland security roles comparable to active-component military personnel.

Argues the Chief of the National Guard Bureau's expertise in homeland security and Title 32 operations would enhance Joint Chiefs of Staff collaboration, which currently focuses on wartime missions with limited homeland defense experience.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the President of the United States Senate, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and Alabama's Congressional Delegation.