The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, advancing two major EANGUS priorities that would strengthen support for National Guard members, families, and the civilian workforce that sustains readiness every day.

The House-passed legislation includes language recognizing the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official military relief society under federal law. This recognition would place the Foundation alongside the relief organizations serving the other military components and help ensure National Guard members and their families know where to turn during financial emergencies.

For more than three decades, the National Guard Relief Foundation has provided grants and interest-free loans to Guard members facing hardships involving housing, utilities, food, emergency travel, and other essential needs. Official recognition would improve the Foundation’s visibility and ability to support the Guard community without creating a new government program or additional cost to taxpayers.

The bill also includes Dual-Status Technician Reform, an important step toward protecting the experienced civilian workforce responsible for maintaining equipment, supporting logistics, and preserving the day-to-day readiness of the National Guard. EANGUS has consistently emphasized that any technician reform must account for the essential role these Soldiers and Airmen play in sustaining the Guard mission.

Dual-Status Technician Reform is included in both the House and Senate versions of the FY27 NDAA, putting it in a strong position as negotiations continue. The National Guard Relief Foundation provision, however, is currently included only in the House bill.

EANGUS is now working with Senate offices to secure the Foundation language in the Senate position and preserve it during negotiations over the final NDAA.

House passage represents a significant milestone, but the work is not finished. EANGUS will continue advocating until both provisions reach the President’s desk and become law.