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

This presidential memorandum, issued by President Donald J. Trump on March 29, 2020, provides federal support for governors using the National Guard to respond to COVID-19. It directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully fund emergency assistance activities related to preventing, mitigating, and responding to the COVID-19 threat when the National Guard operates under state control in Connecticut, Illinois, and Michigan. The memorandum also directs the Secretary of Defense to request governors in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan to have their National Guard forces perform duties for FEMA assignments, with these costs being fully reimbursed. This 100 percent federal funding for specific activities will last for 30 days from the memorandum's date.

This action primarily affects executive branch agencies, such as FEMA and the Department of Defense, by giving them specific instructions. It also impacts the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, and Massachusetts by offering federal financial support for their National Guard's efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak. Ultimately, it aims to assist State Governors in their responses to the public health risks posed by the virus.

This memorandum is a routine administrative tool used by presidents to guide agencies on priorities and how to implement existing laws. It matters because it aims to assist states during the COVID-19 national emergency, recognizing the need for close cooperation between the federal government and states. The President's authority to issue such a memorandum is based on Article II of the Constitution and

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