The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee of the Florida State Legislature convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss House Memorial 4005, presented by Representative Daley. This memorial urges Congress to increase the troop levels assigned to the Florida National Guard, highlighting a significant disparity between the state's population and its military resources.

Representative Daley emphasized the importance of this memorial, noting that Florida, with a population nearing 23 million, currently has only 12,000 National Guard troops. This figure, he pointed out, is based on data from 1958 and does not reflect the state's current needs, especially in light of its high frequency of natural disasters and emergency declarations. Florida ranks fifth in the nation for declared states of emergency but is positioned 43rd in terms of National Guard force structure.

Daley expressed concerns about the implications of this inadequate troop level, including burnout among current members and challenges in recruitment. He urged the National Guard Bureau to reassess the troop numbers based on updated population statistics to ensure that Florida has the necessary support to respond effectively to emergencies.

The discussion underscored the ongoing efforts of Florida's congressional delegation to address these issues, with the memorial serving as a formal request for action. The subcommittee's support for this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the state's emergency response capabilities through a stronger National Guard presence.