Schatz Statement On Funding Extension For Hawai‘i National Guard’s COVID-19 Response Operations

HONOLULU – Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, President Trump approved authorization and funding to extend the use of the Hawai‘i National Guard in a federal status, known as Title 32, in support of the state’s COVID-19 response operations.

“This extension means our soldiers and airmen who are performing essential missions, including contact tracing and food and medical supply distribution, can continue their work without interruption,” said Senator Schatz.

In addition to contact tracing and food and supply distribution, the Hawai‘i National Guard is expected to play a key role in supporting the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the public.

The authorization and funding extension runs through March 31, 2021.

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