Schatz: New Biden Order Will Fully Reimburse Hawai‘i For National Guard, Supplies To Fight COVID-19
New Order Will Save Hawai‘i Millions Of Dollars
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Joe Biden took executive action to authorize an extension and fully reimburse Hawai‘i and states across the country for the use of the National Guard to support COVID-19 response operations.
“This will save Hawai‘i millions of dollars and allow soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions that will help us safely reopen our economy, including vaccine distribution and contact tracing, to continue their work without interruption,” said Senator Schatz.
In addition to vaccine distribution and contact tracing, the Hawai‘i National Guard assists with food and supply distribution, and helps screen travelers at airports.
The previous administration authorized a 75 percent reimbursement rate for states and was slated to expire at the end of March. The new order from President Biden authorizes a 100 percent reimbursement rate and runs through September 31, 2021.
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