Extension of the Use of the National Guard To Respond to COVID-19 and To Facilitate Economic Recovery

This memorandum extends National Guard COVID-19 support to states and territories but reduces the federal cost share from 100% to 75% starting August 21, 2020. The 75% federal funding is authorized for National Guard duty through December 31, 2020, for pandemic response and economic recovery activities.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 47885

Impact dates

Dec 31, 2020
75% federal cost share authority expires
Aug 21, 2020
100% federal cost share terminates; 75% cost share begins

Key directives

Terminate 100% federal cost share for National Guard COVID-19 response on August 21, 2020
Direct FEMA to fund 75% of emergency assistance activities for National Guard forces in listed states and territories
Limit 75% cost share to orders authorizing duty through December 31, 2020
Include CDC health protection protocols as covered duty

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

100% federal cost share ends August 21, 2020

Near term (90d)

75% cost share takes effect August 21, 2020
National Guard operations continue under reduced federal funding

Long term

75% cost share authority expires December 31, 2020

Risks & tensions

States face increased fiscal burden as federal share drops from 100% to 75% during ongoing pandemic
Timing coincides with summer 2020 COVID-19 surge and economic reopening tensions
Document contains duplicate 'Sec. 3' labeling (appears to be clerical error, second should be Sec. 5)
Vague standard for 'where appropriate' economic recovery versus public health response