Gov. Gregoire appointed to Homeland Security Council of Governors

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2010

Olympia- Gov. Chris Gregoire today was appointed by President Barack Obama to co-chair a new Council of Governors focused on homeland security and the National Guard.

Mandated by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the purpose of the Council of Governors is to strengthen the partnership between states and the federal government on matters related to homeland defense. The need for the Council originated from questions raised in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster about the US military�s role and responsibilities in domestic disasters.

�I thank President Obama for establishing the Council, and look forward to co-chairing the Council with Governor Douglas,� Gregoire said. �This bipartisan group of governors will help to build a spirit of partnership and trust with the federal government, respecting our role as our states� commanders-in-chief. The issues we will take up will help ensure the safety and well being of not only the people of Washington State, but everyone across the country.�

Gregoire was selected in part due to her strong advocacy for the active-duty military, veterans, and members of the defense communities across the state of Washington. Washington is the home to many major active duty military installations in each of the military services, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett and Naval Base Kitsap. In addition to active duty operations, Washington�s Army and Air National Guard provide essential military support to civil authorities in the Pacific Northwest, contributing significantly to Washington�s role in ensuring the security and stability of our state, region and nation.

The council is made up of ten governors from across the country, five from each political party. Governor Jim Douglas (R) of Vermont will serve alongside Gregoire as co-chair. Gregoire will serve a two year term on the Council.