Governor Bullock Announces Federal Support for National Guard to Respond to COVID-19

President approves Bullock’s request for Title 32 status

• April 09 2020

Governor Steve Bullock today announced federal support for the National Guard to respond to COVID-19 in Montana after President Trump approved the governor’s request for Title 32 status.

“I’m pleased the President recognizes that Montana is working hard to fight this virus,” Governor Bullock said. “With this federal support, we can fully utilize the Montana National Guard to aggressively respond to COVID-19 and prevent further spread and we can ensure that our guardsmen and women receive the resources they deserve.”

With authority under the Stafford Act, the president issued a memo on April 7 announcing Montana and several other states will receive full funding from FEMA to cover costs from using National Guard forces to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19.

Last week, Governor Bullock activated the Montana National Guard to assist in screening individuals arriving in Montana airports and rail stations. The Guard’s presence extends the state’s ability to enforce the travel quarantine order and make sure that people arriving in Montana aren’t bringing new COVID-19 cases with them. The National Guard is also assisting the local operation in Toole County.

This recognition of the needs within the state allows for full federal funding of the National Guard operations while Governor Bullock retains command and control of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Montana National Guard.