WASHINGTON — Saturday, U.S. Sen. 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 Schatz.
In addition to those duties, the Hawai‘i National Guard has been assisting with food and supply distribution, and helps screen travelers at airports.
The previous administration authorized a 75% reimbursement rate for states and was slated to expire at the end of March. The new order from Biden authorizes a 100% reimbursement rate and runs through Sept. 31.
Source: The Garden Island
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