Washington, DC - Calling official reports of serious equipment shortfalls by National Guard and Reserve troops "a grave concern to our nation," Senator Mary Landrieu today offered an amendment to fill any equipment needs of Reservists and Guardsmen currently training for service in the second wave of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While all troops in the field today are properly equipped, reports indicate that subsequent call ups may be hindered by a lack of equipment. The Marine Corps Reserve reports that before they could deploy a second wave of troops a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, and tactical vests must be fulfilled. Likewise, the Army Reserve reports a shortage of rifles - both the M4 and M16 – would have to be replenished before deploying a second wave of troops. Landrieu's amendment would increase funding for the Reserves and Guard by $1 billion.

"An infantryman without a rifle cannot join the fight," said Senator Landrieu. "The number of Reserve and Guard units currently deployed is more than double those that were called up during the Gulf War. This massive call up has left the Guard and Reserve with serious equipment shortfalls. These shortfalls could inhibit the number of Guardsmen and Reservists that can be committed to the fight unless we can replenish the supply. We need theses troops in the field with their ability to defend the nation and themselves in tact."

"As this war begins, the Navy Reserve and National Guard present us with a case-in-point. The Navy Reserve and National Guard report a shortage of chemical and biological protective gear," said Landrieu. "A bio-chem suit is gear that can only be used once. Our activated Guardsmen and Reservists have enough equipment to withstand one chemical or biological attack. Currently, there is no funding to purchase more protective gear. With concern that Saddam Hussein will use Weapons of Mass Destruction on our troops, this is a shortfall that must be overcome."

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) issued a statement of support for Senator Landrieu's amendment. "We support any effort to increase funding for the immediate equipment needs for our mobilized members members of the National Guard and Reserve," said Retired Col.William B. Goss, NGAUS Legislative Director.

Landrieu's amendment targets shortfalls identified by the National Guard and Reserve in their Unfunded Requirement lists, which are attached These shortfalls equal approximately $1 billion, the amount asked for by the Landrieu amendment. To offset the cost, the amendment would remove $1 billion from the President=s proposed tax cut.

More than 188,000 National Guardsmen and Reservists are currently mobilized as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, and the force mounting in the Persian Gulf. This figure is twice of the number of Guard and Reserve troops activated during Operation Desert Storm. Moreover, thousands of these soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines have been activated more than once since September 11, 2001.