National Guard Support for 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions and Other Appropriate Events

President George W. Bush delegated his authority under 32 U.S.C. § 325 to the Secretary of Defense to provide National Guard support for the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions and other appropriate events, with funding to come from existing appropriations.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 46397

Impact dates

Jul 30, 2004
Federal Register filing

Key directives

Delegate functions and authority under 32 U.S.C. § 325 to Secretary of Defense
Provide National Guard support for 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions
Support other appropriate events as determined by Secretary in consultation with Assistant to the President for Homeland Security
Fund activity from proper appropriations
Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Delegation of presidential authority to Secretary of Defense takes effect

Near term (90d)

National Guard support operations for August-September 2004 conventions
Federal Register publication (filed July 30, 2004)

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Vague scope: 'other appropriate events' and 'from time to time' grants broad discretionary authority to Secretary of Defense with only consultative check from homeland security advisor
No explicit statutory funding authorization; reliance on 'proper appropriations' may create tension if existing funds insufficient
Political optics risk: military support for partisan political conventions requires careful neutrality
Post-9/11 security context likely driving expanded National Guard role in domestic event security