National Guard Counterdrug funding is incredibly important, with real-world implications. Currently, those funds are appropriated annually and available for one-year. Approximately 50% of the program's annual funding is from a Congressional add. This factor, in combination with recurrent continuing resolutions, leads to unstable funding, with large fluctuations between the first quarter of the FY and other periods.

Indiana routinely lays off nearly 80% of its National Guard counterdrug workforce at the end of September. (note: over the past three years, Indiana hires an average of 20 full-time personnel in the first quarter; we hired an average of 80 additional employees after the annual appropriation occurs and the allotments are disbursed) The effects of this go beyond the disruptions incurred by the service member and their families. It forfeits valuable experience and the continuity necessary to optimally support law enforcement.

Senator Shaheen and Capito introduced legislation that would make National Guard Counterdrug funding available for three-years. The necessary effect could be achieved with a two-year funds availability, and this might be more palatable to appropriators. It is worth noting that Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) funds are available for two-years.