Rep. Thompson: Fill gap in Army National Guard budget

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Staff

In this Feb. 24, 2012 photograph, Democrat U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson of the state’s 2nd Congressional District speaks about issues his office deals with during a speech in downtown Jackson, Miss. For nearly two decades, Thompson has represented a district, that encompasses some of the poorest counties in the nation. He says he has helped promote development through federal grants and other programs. Heather McTeer, his opponent in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary, says the incumbent has done too little and it’s time for a change. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee says he will support a request to fill a gap in the Army National Guard budget.

Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi says Tuesday that he’s urging other members of Congress to support the National Guard Bureau’s request to reallocate some money.

Mississippi Army National Guard spokesman Tim Powell says Mississippi, like many other states, has postponed training because the federal bureau is $101 million over budget due to higher-than-normal spending.

Powell says the Mississippi guard hopes money can be shifted from other accounts to allow for training later this month.