WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), co-chair of the Natural Disaster Caucus, announced that his amendment to boost natural disaster response passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA.

This amendment, offered with fellow Natural Disaster Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Garret Graves (LA-06), provides authorization for federal support of multistate National Guard deployments to natural disasters.

“In times of disaster, National Guard troops are often our first line of relief, coming in from other states and putting their lives on the line to help those in need. They deserve to be adequately supported for these efforts, no matter what a state’s budget is,” said Thompson. “That’s why I offered an amendment to support those deployments into disaster areas by providing support for National Guard troops. I will continue fighting to ensure we provide every resource to aid with both current and future disaster relief and recovery.”

Thompson’s amendment to the NDAA was included and the bill passed the House.

The House bill must now be reconciled with the Senate bill.