Letter to the Hon. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States - Rep. Slotkin Leads Bipartisan Michigan Delegation Letter to the President Supporting Michigan Request for National Guard Action in Virus Response

Letter

Dear Mr. President:

As Members of Michigan's congressional delegation, we write to support the State of Michigan's request that you immediately authorize the full use and force of Michigan's National Guard to be dedicated to COVID-19 response and support, under 32 U.S.C. 502(f) for up to 180 days.

Governor Whitmer has taken necessary steps to address the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. On March 10, 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services identified the first two presumptive-positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. The same day, the Governor declared a state of emergency across the state of Michigan. Executive orders closed schools, restricted places of public accommodation, and prohibited large gatherings of 50 or more people, among other actions. Nonetheless, Michigan has reported over 100 known cases of COVID-19, as of March 18, and we expect the number to grow.

The National Guard is the essential force that provides highly effective response capabilities to emergencies in the United States. As the state of Michigan faces a complex emergency, along with much of the country, we respectfully request you promptly fill the State of Michigan's request that the National Guard be mobilized under the Governor's command and control, with federal funding for pay, benefits, and equipment, under 32 U.S.C. 502(f).