HERSETH STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ANNOUNCEMENTS

February 3, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth responded today to initial reports that the Department of Defense does not plan to cut funding for the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Herseth added that she hoped the President's budget, which will be released on Monday, also recognizes the value of the National Guard to our nation's defense.

Herseth said, "I have joined many other members of Congress in communicating clearly to the Pentagon our serious concerns about cutting funding for the National Guard at a time when it is being relied upon so heavily in the War on Terror. I am pleased that the Department of Defense has committed to maintaining the Army National Guard's end strength."

Herseth continued, "I look forward with great interest to the President's budget recommendations next week, to see if his priorities reflect the importance of the National Guard to our nation's defense. I will also look in particular to see what his budget means for the South Dakota National Guard, as force restructuring could have a serious effect on our Guard installments in the state. I continue to believe that during a time of war, we should not be reducing the strength of the cost efficient and versatile National Guard."

Last month, Herseth wrote Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to communicate her concerns.