New Hampshire State Representative Tom Mannion recently used his social media platform to announce the scheduling of a Senate hearing for House Bill 104, known as “Defend the Guard.” The hearing is set for Tuesday, February 17 at 1:40 PM in State House Room 103.
On February 10, 2026, Mannion posted: “Senate hearing for HB104 Defend the Guard has been scheduled! Tuesday February 17 1:40PM State House Room 103 @DefendTheGuard @DefendGuardNH @LPNH https://t.co/Ls1Nz0A8vy”.
Later that day, Mannion encouraged supporters who are unable to attend in person to participate online. In his post dated February 10, he wrote: “@DefendTheGuard @DefendGuardNH @LPNH If you can’t make it in person, please sign in favor: https://t.co/c1aa8XX7bc https://t.co/jeUnrMfQuW”.
On February 12, Mannion shared another message related to state politics and taxation. He stated: “If your state representatives aren’t saying ‘taxation is theft’ at the well, move.”
HB104 is part of a legislative movement referred to as “Defend the Guard,” which seeks to restrict the deployment of state National Guard units into active combat unless Congress has made a formal declaration of war. This type of legislation has been introduced in multiple states and is supported by advocacy groups including Defend The Guard and Libertarian Party affiliates. Proponents argue that such measures reinforce constitutional checks on federal military power by requiring explicit congressional approval before sending state troops into overseas conflicts.
The debate around bills like HB104 reflects ongoing discussions about federal authority over state National Guard units and broader questions regarding U.S. military engagement abroad.
