Libertarian Party of Wisconsin

Resolution from the April 2025 State Convention

Resolution Supporting Defend the Guard Legislation

WHEREAS, Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants Congress the exclusive
power to declare war; and

WHEREAS, despite this clear constitutional mandate, the Executive Branch has repeatedly
engaged in military conflicts without formal declarations of war, effectively bypassing Congress's
authority; and

WHEREAS, the deployment of National Guard units into active combat without a congressional
declaration of war undermines the constitutional balance of powers and places undue burdens
on state resources; and

WHEREAS, the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin upholds the principles of limited government,
individual liberty, and adherence to the Constitution, including the proper use of military force;
and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calls upon the
Wisconsin Legislature and Governor to enact "Defend the Guard" legislation, which would
prohibit the deployment of Wisconsin National Guard units into active combat without a formal
declaration of war by Congress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin calls upon the Wisconsin
Legislature and Governor to enact and uphold such legislation, reaffirming the state's
commitment to constitutional governance and the proper role of the National Guard.