Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D), Joe Neguse (D), Scott Tipton (R), Doug Lamborn (R), Jason Crow (D), and Ed Perlmutter (D), are requesting that the President of the United States approve the request from Colorado Governor Jared Polis for additional funding to support the Colorado National Guard as they work to respond to statewide incidents related to the preservation of life and property in connection with COVID-19. To date, the Colorado National Guard has supported drive-through testing activities as well as a mobile testing site, which has served rural communities in the state. 

“Last week, the Governor determined the need to increase the Colorado National Guard force to full time status and intends to utilize the Colorado National Guard to fulfill immediate COVID-19 response requirements across the state,” wrote Bennet and his colleagues. “We urge your prompt approval of this request so the Governor may fully task the Colorado National Guard as he finds necessary to support the state’s COVID-19 response efforts.” 

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

Dear President Trump, 

We write to urge you to quickly approve the request made by Governor Polis for additional authorities and funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S. Code to assist the State of Colorado to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor is requesting this authority and funding for the Colorado National Guard as they work to respond to incidents related to the preservation of life and property in connection with COVID-19. 

Last week, the Governor determined the need to increase the Colorado National Guard force to full time status and intends to utilize the Colorado National Guard to fulfill immediate COVID-19 response requirements across the state. 

We urge your prompt approval of this request so the Governor may fully task the Colorado National Guard as he finds necessary to support the state’s COVID-19 response efforts. Thank you for your assistance in this important request.