WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema and a bipartisan group of Senators called on the administration to restore full support of the federal cost share to Arizona’s National Guard in its mission fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The administration terminated the full federal cost share on August 3, 2020.
“The National Guard keeps Arizona families safe and healthy. The federal government must meet its obligation to support our Guardsmen as they protect Arizonans during the global pandemic,” said Sinema.
Arizona’s National Guard has proven critical to the health and safety of Arizonans during the coronavirus pandemic. Ending the full federal cost share places Arizonans at substantial risk as food security and basic needs increase due to the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic.
In May, following calls from Sinema, the administration reversed course and extended the National Guard’s coronavirus mission until mid-August, ensuring Guardsmen can continue assisting Arizona during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic while receiving critical benefits they’ve earned. In early August, the administration announced another extension through the end of the year, but added a requirement that the majority of states pay 25% of the cost of National Guard on federal orders. Arizona will be subjected to this cost after September 30th absent a change of policy.
Click HERE for Sinema’s letter.
