Currently, there is a 'benefits gap' where two Guard members might do the exact same job, but one gets fewer benefits because their mission wasn't technically labeled a 'national emergency.' This bill aims to close that gap for missions involving border security and drug interdiction. For many Guard members, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and healthcare are the primary reasons they serve; losing out on these because of a technicality in how their mission is categorized can be a major financial blow.

If this becomes law, it could help with National Guard recruitment and retention at a time when many branches of the military are struggling to find people. It also signals a legislative commitment to using the National Guard for domestic law enforcement support by making those roles more 'worth it' for the individuals serving in them.