TOPLINEFederal lawmakers from both parties have urged the Trump administration to extend the deployment of National Guard troops to states to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which would allow thousands of guardsmen to become eligible for retirement and educational benefits. But the option remains for the administration to avoid a “hard stop” and extend the deployment, which some House members are urging it to do. Key backgroundThe National Guard has been central to the government’s efforts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Chief CriticOne Republican lawmaker poured cold water on the assertion that a “hard stop” to the deployment would prevent National Guard workers from getting their benefits. At last count in late April, the Military Times reported that there were 41,600 National Guard troops deployed to the states.

Source: Forbes May 21, 2020 01:59 UTC