Letter to Donald Trump, President of the United States - Daines Urges President Trump to Support Funding for the National Guard in Montana Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Letter

Dear President Trump:
The men and women of the National Guard have been instrumental in our nation's response to
combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to initially provide a one hundred percent
Federal cost-share to all states and territories provided a substantial capability that has been
critical to addressing the challenges of keeping our citizens safe. The new determination to
reduce the federal cost-share, however, comes at a time when there is still significant need across
the country. Therefore, we request a restoration of the previous Federal cost-share levels to
maintain National Guard operations without an additional burden to states and territories.
Restoring the one hundred percent Federal cost-share for all National Guard units will allow it to
continue to execute the numerous tasks required for our nation's response to the threat COVID19 poses. The National Guard has lessened the impacts of the virus in many ways, including
support to community-based testing sites, distributing millions of meals to Americans in need, as
well as aiding our front line health workers that provide care to COVID-19 patients in hospitals
and clinics across the nation. It is clear to us that the members of the National Guard have
honorably answered the call to serve our nation in this difficult time, even when it puts their
health and safety at risk.
Therefore, as members of the Senate National Guard Caucus, we ask that you reconsider your
decision to reduce the cost-share for National Guard forces and reinstate previous Federal
support levels to address the challenges that face our states and territories.

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