Neil Abercrombie’s recent remarks on the National Guard were captured on C-SPAN. Panelists talked about the changing role of the Guard, and federal-state cooperation in providing homeland defense and public safety. 

Hawaii’s governor said members of the Guard, beginning in the Clinton Administration and continuing to the present day, were “by default” effectively drafted as operational forces in foreign combat zones.

He said “discussion never took place in the general public” about that new role, and warned that it underscores the need to address the National Guard’s funding struggles.