CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday urged Congress to repay the debt owed to the National Guard for providing security to the U.S. Capitol following the Jan. 6 riots.
Following Jan. 6, thousands of National Guard members from across the country responded to the nation’s capital. Hundreds of them were from Illinois.
According to a release, the National Guard is facing devastating prospects if the funding is not immediately repaid, including a reduction in exercises, weekend training, and potential furloughs.
This also puts guard members monthly drill checks and insurance payments in jeopardy.
“Congress needs to act with urgency to not only protect the integrity of our National Guard but to do everything possible to prevent another Jan. 6 from ever happening again,” said Pritzker. “This is about readiness and about taking care of our soldiers and airmen, but even more so, it’s about honor. I urge Congress to act quickly on behalf of the safety, security, and dignity of all Americans.”
Thousands of troops remained in Washington, D.C. until the end of May to provide support to local law enforcement and ensure the safety of the nation’s capital city.
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