U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a letter to President Trump urging the administration to fully fund National Guard operations in Montana amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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 COVID-19 poses,” Daines wrote. “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.”
Under a previous decision, a one hundred percent Federal cost-share was provided to all states and territories in order to support the COVID-19 response. Recently it was decided that the federal cost-share should be reduced despite the continued need across the country.
Daines is calling on President Trump to restore the previous Federal cost-share levels in order to maintain a timely and effective response to the COVID-19 outbreak, without putting an unnecessary burden on Montana and states across the country.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
Background:
Daines has been strong advocate in supporting the Montana National Guard as they respond to COVID-19.
On August 7th, 2020 Daines sent a letter urging President Trump to provide the State of Montana the same consideration as states like Texas and Florida regarding cost sharing for ongoing National Guard operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 28th, 2020, Daines successfully secured extended orders for National Guard members to protect their benefits while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement follows Daines’ request to President Trump to extend the orders.
On May 14th, 2020, Daines sent a letter urging Senate leadership to temporarily lower the minimum requirement for a satisfactory year of service to accommodate National Guard personnel who are unable to drill and acquire points towards retirement because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
On April 14th, 2020, Daines brought lunch from Bozeman’s Chalet Market to Montana National Guard troops serving at the Bozeman airport to thank them for protecting Montana communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shared news that following his request to President Trump, Montana National Guard members responding to the Coronavirus pandemic will be eligible for healthcare benefits (TRICARE coverage) and housing benefits and that he would sending a letter to President Trump urging the administration to give hazard pay to National Guard troops serving during COVID-19.
On April 2nd, 2020, Daines sent a letter yesterday to President Trump urging him to permit National Guard members responding to the Coronavirus pandemic in our communities to be eligible for TRICARE coverage.
Daines has also been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country. To read about Daines’ COVID-19 related efforts, click HERE.
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