MN SF3627

Urges Congress to pass the National Guard 12304b Benefits Parity Act (S.2913) to provide benefits parity for National Guard and Reserve members deployed under 10 U.S.C. § 12304b authority.

Addresses a legislative gap created when the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act expanded Department of Defense authority to deploy National Guard forces but Congress did not update benefit eligibility requirements.

Servicemembers deployed under § 12304b are currently ineligible for TRICARE health benefits, Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, and reduced retirement age that other active duty servicemembers receive.

Specifically references Minnesota National Guard units deployed to the Sinai Peninsula (40 soldiers in 2014, approximately 400 soldiers scheduled for summer 2016) supporting the Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping mission.

Directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to transmit memorial copies to the President, Congress members, congressional armed services committees, and relevant federal officials.