In a united effort, a letter spearheaded by Representative Bustos and signed by all members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, was directed to Defense Secretary Mark Esper seeking federal funding, under Title 32 issued authorizations, for the activation of Illinois National Guard members in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Title 32 provides for upfront federal funding for the National Guard's work.

Governor Pritzker has also requested such assistance from the federal government in this regard. 

Guard units activated in New York, California and Washington have received the Title 32 funding designation.

Read The Chicago Tribune Reporting from Rich Pearson (3-24-20)