Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has introduced the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC) Reauthorization Act. The bill aims to continue support for a partnership that provides training to first responders and other personnel at large-scale events.
“Our country has big plans for the next few years, and that comes with an important responsibility to protect the American people. That’s why my bill would renew the partnership that trains first responders to keep events like the World Cup and Summer Olympics safe and secure. The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium—with LSU and the state of Louisiana’s help—is helping America get this critical job done, and I’m proud to have their back,” said Kennedy.
The NDPC is composed of organizations focused on preparing personnel such as first responders, police officers, and emergency medical professionals for major events including sports games and political conventions. The need for reauthorizing funding is highlighted by upcoming international events in the United States: the World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028. The NDPC last received full authorization in Fiscal Year 2020 but has continued operations through annual appropriations since then.
Louisiana State University’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education (NCBRT/ACE) is among the founding members of the NDPC. Since its establishment in 1998, LSU NCBRT/ACE has trained between 45,000 and 60,000 first responders within Louisiana.
“The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium plays a critical role in keeping America safe. It delivers advanced, real-world training to first responders in every state and territory so they are prepared to respond to terrorism, natural disasters, and emerging threats. Reauthorizing NDPC strengthens our national security posture and ensures that the men and women on the front lines have the tools and training they need to protect the American people,” said Jeff Mayne, Executive Director of LSU NCBRT/ACE.
Senator Kennedy represents all of Louisiana according to his official website, where he also communicates with constituents through newsletters, town halls, public events, and operates district offices across several cities including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Shreveport [source]. He has worked on policies supporting veterans, farmers, small businesses as well as national security [source]. Kennedy chairs or serves on multiple Senate committees such as Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs; Appropriations; Budget; Energy & Natural Resources [source].
The full text of the NDPC Reauthorization Act is available online.
