Providing Federal Support for Governors' Use of the National Guard To Respond to COVID-19

This memorandum directs 100% federal reimbursement for National Guard COVID-19 response activities in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Guam, and Puerto Rico. It also directs the Secretary of Defense to request governors order National Guard forces to perform specific FEMA-issued missions on a fully reimbursable basis.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 18409

Impact dates

Apr 27, 2020
Termination of 100% federal cost share

Key directives

FEMA to fund 100% of emergency assistance activities for National Guard forces in specified states/territories
Secretary of Defense to request governors order National Guard to perform duty for FEMA mission assignments on fully reimbursable basis
100% federal cost share terminates 30 days from March 28, 2020
Secretary of Defense to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

100% federal cost share takes effect for specified states/territories
Secretary of Defense directed to request National Guard duty orders from governors

Near term (90d)

100% cost share terminates 30 days from signing (April 27, 2020)

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Limited to 7 specific jurisdictions, excluding other states with COVID-19 outbreaks
30-day termination creates uncertainty for sustained response; may require extension
Fully reimbursable basis for DoD missions may create administrative burden
Subject to availability of appropriations creates funding uncertainty