DE HJR10

Recognizes Major General Francis D. Vavala for his leadership as Chairman of the National Guard Association of the United States in securing passage of the Empowerment Act (S. 1025).

The Empowerment Act, passed by Congress on December 1, 2011, and signed into law by President Barack H. Obama on December 31, 2011, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (H.R. 1540), adds the Chief of the National Guard Bureau as a full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Highlights Major General Vavala's service as Delaware's Adjutant General since 1999 and his efforts to gain grassroots and congressional support for the legislation despite opposition from all existing Joint Chiefs of Staff members.

Describes the legislation as the greatest legislative achievement for the National Guard since the Militia Act of 1903, providing military cost efficiencies and operational capabilities for national defense and homeland security at national, state, and local levels.