Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020

August 3, 2020

Memorandum for Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security

Subject: Extension of the Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVIDâ19 and to Facilitate Economic Recovery

Section 1. Policy. It continues to be the policy of the United States to foster close cooperation and mutual assistance between the Federal Government and the States and territories in the battle against the threat posed by the spread of COVIDâ19, especially as the United States transitions to a period of increased economic activity and recovery in those areas of the Nation where the threat posed by COVIDâ19 has been sufficiently mitigated. To date, activated National Guard forces around the country have provided critical support to Governors as the Governors work to address the needs of those populations within their respective States and territories especially vulnerable to the effects of COVIDâ19, including those in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care or congregate settings. Additionally, States and territories will need assistance in fighting COVIDâ19 hot spots as they emerge. Therefore, to continue to provide maximum support to States and territories as they make decisions about the responses required to address local conditions in their respective jurisdictions with respect to combatting the threat posed by COVIDâ19 and, where appropriate, facilitating their economic recovery, I am taking the actions set forth in section 2 of this memorandum:

Sec. 2. Termination and Extension. The 100 percent Federal cost share for the State's use of National Guard forces for the State of Texas shall extend to, and shall be available for orders of any length authorizing duty through December 31, 2020. Such orders include duty necessary to comply with health protection protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services or other health protection measures agreed to by the Department of Defense and the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the

Federal Register.

DONALD J. TRUMP

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., August 5, 2020] NOTE: This memorandum was published in the *Federal Register *on August 6.

Categories: Communications to Federal Agencies : COVIDâ19 response and economic recovery facilitation in Texas, extension of National Guard use, memorandum.

Subjects: Armed Forces, U.S : National Guard; Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; Economy, national : Strengthening efforts.

DCPD Number: DCPD202000567.