12/15/2025
Our hearts go out to all the Vermont Guards Members who are being deployed without Congressional or State oversight 💜 We hope they will return home soon and appreciate Senator Vyhovsky's continued oversight in this matter.
Last week, just a few hours before local media started reporting the story, I was made aware through unofficial channels that the VT National Guard was being deployed by the federal government on an undisclosed mission. I immediately reached out to the Guard’s leadership and the Governor’s office but have received no additional information. As the vice-chair of the Senate Government Operations committee, which oversees the VT National Guard, I was troubled to be in the dark about the future of a thousand Vermonters. After consulting with Legislative Counsel, I realized the VT Senate’s role is limited when the Guard has been federalized, and began working with our federal delegation to map out next steps. On Friday, Sen. Welch was able to confirm for me that they would be deployed to the Caribbean to take part in Operation Southern Spear, a military action that has been bombing boats and taking the lives of all aboard without congressional oversight or approval.
To say I am deeply concerned is an understatement. Our Guard members should not be put in the position of being ordered to participate in a military action that has no backing in state, federal, or international law. I will continue to do everything I can in my role as a Senator and a Vermonter to work with our Federal Delegation to fight back against this administration’s illegal use of Vermont lives for political games.
