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

This memorandum extends federal cost-sharing support for state National Guard deployments responding to COVID-19. It ends 100% federal coverage for Florida and Texas on December 31, 2020, and establishes 75% federal cost sharing for all 50 states, D.C., and three territories through March 31, 2021, with FEMA funding the assistance under the Stafford Act.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 78945

Impact dates

Mar 31, 2021
75% federal cost share availability ends for all states and territories
Dec 31, 2020
100% federal cost share terminates for Florida and Texas

Key directives

Terminate 100% federal cost share for Florida and Texas National Guard on December 31, 2020
Direct FEMA to fund 75% of emergency assistance activities for National Guard use in all states and three territories
Limit 75% cost share to orders authorizing duty through March 31, 2021
Require compliance with CDC health protection protocols or DoD-FEMA agreed measures

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

100% federal cost share ends for Florida and Texas on Dec 31, 2020
75% cost share established for all listed states and territories

Near term (90d)

75% cost share available through March 31, 2021
National Guard orders authorized through March 31, 2021

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Unclear why Florida and Texas singled out for earlier termination of 100% cost share; may reflect political or pandemic condition judgments
State fiscal burden increases to 25% for most states; Florida and Texas face full state cost after Dec 31
Memorandum contingent on appropriations availability, creating uncertainty if funding lapses