On April 12, 2021, the Maine House Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs heard testimony regarding H.B. #1285, the “Defend the Guard Act.” Seven individuals spoke to the committee remotely, including the bill’s sponsor Heidi Sampson (R-Alfred) and four military veterans. No person testified against the bill.
Below you will find a brief description of each person who testified.
Rep. Heidi Sampson, Republican legislator elected in 2016 and serving Maine House District 21.
Raymond Cloutier, a 21-year disabled veteran and American Legionnaire representing Post 39, which passed a resolution in favor of “Defend the Guard.”
Dan McKnight, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, U.S. Army, and Idaho National Guard combat veteran and Chairman of BringOurTroopsHome.US.
Harrison Kemp, a veteran and Vice Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Maine.
Eric Brakey, former Maine state senator, Republican senate nominee, and senior spokesman for Young Americans for Liberty.
Scott Horton, Director of the Libertarian Institute, Editorial Director of Antiwar.com, and author of the books Fool’s Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan and Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism.
Joe Pickering, a veteran of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
