CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and colleagues in both chambers of Congress, today sent a bipartisan letter calling on the administration to provide additional services to the brave members of the National Guard who have boldly stepped up to the front lines during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) is supportive of these efforts.

In the letter signed by 125 members of Congress, Senator Capito and her colleagues urged President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Mark Esper, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Peter Gaynor to help provide improved status, leave, healthcare, and reimbursement benefits to National Guard service members that are providing invaluable support services in response to COVID-19.

“Our national success in flattening the curve will not be possible without the contributions of the National Guard. We believe it is critical to ensure that all National Guard personnel are taken care of during this crisis and after, recognizing that the threat of COVID-19 will not immediately go away and the National Guard is likely to be called on again in the future,” Senator Capito and her colleagues wrote.


“We are proud of the incredible contributions of the National Guard. They have been a critical team member in the nation’s fight against COVID-19. We welcome your support in ensuring they are kept safe, healthy, and receive the benefits they deserve,” they continued.

 

Specifically, the senators requested:

 

  • An extension of the National Guards Title 32 orders, which are currently in place until June 24.

 

  • An exemption for National Guard members from having to use annual leave to quarantine. The letter also requests that members be able to sell back their leave or roll it over.

 

  • Members who were activated are provided Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for 180 days after coming off Title 32 orders. 

 

  • The GI Bill and retirement benefits are protected for these members currently serving under Title 32.

 

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

 

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