July 23, 2025
Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Webster of Florida, and Mr. Stanton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To authorize and improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency and reform Federal disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title; table of contents
(a) Short title
This Act may be cited as the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025
or the FEMA Act of 2025
.
(b) Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Division A Establishment of FEMA as Cabinet-Level Independent Agency
Title I Establishment of Federal Emergency Management Agency
Sec. 11. Establishment of independent agency
(a) In general
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is established as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch.
(b) Mission
The primary mission of the Agency is to reduce the loss of life and property of the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters and manmade disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
(c) Specific activities
In support of the primary mission of the Agency, the Administrator of the Agency shall—
(1)
lead the Nation's efforts to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters and manmade disasters, including catastrophic incidents;
(2)
to build a national system of emergency management that can effectively and efficiently use the full measure of the Nation's resources to respond to natural disasters and manmade disasters, including catastrophic incidents, partner with—
(A)
State, local, and Tribal governments;
(B)
emergency response providers;
(C)
other Federal agencies;
(D)
the private sector; and
(E)
nongovernmental organizations;
(3)
develop a Federal response capability that, when necessary and appropriate, can act effectively and rapidly to deliver assistance essential to saving lives or protecting or preserving property or public health and safety in a natural disaster or manmade disaster;
(4)
integrate the emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation responsibilities of the Agency to confront effectively the challenges of a natural disaster or manmade disaster;
(5)
develop and maintain robust Regional Offices, inclusive of regional disability integration specialists, that work with State, local, and Tribal governments, emergency response providers, and other appropriate entities to identify and address regional priorities;
(6)
provide funding, training, exercises, technical assistance, planning, and other assistance to build the Tribal, local, State, regional, and national capabilities (including communications capabilities) necessary to respond to a natural disaster or manmade disaster;
(7)
develop and coordinate the implementation of an all-hazards strategy for preparedness that builds the common capabilities necessary to respond to natural disasters and manmade disasters while also building the unique capabilities necessary to respond to specific types of incidents that pose the greatest risk to our Nation; and
(8)
identify, integrate, and implement the needs of children, including children within underserved communities, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations with access and functional needs, into activities to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters and other disasters, including catastrophic incidents, including by appointing a technical expert, who may consult with relevant outside organizations and experts, as necessary, to coordinate such integration, as necessary.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Catastrophic incident
The term catastrophic incident means any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in an area.
(2) Critical infrastructure
The term critical infrastructure has the meaning given that term in section 1016(e) of Public Law 107–56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
(3) Local government
The term local government means—
(A)
a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments (regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B)
an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation; and
(C)
a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.
(4) Resources
The term resources means personnel and major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(5) State
The term State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession of the United States.
(6) Tribal government
The term Tribal government means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation.
(7) Vulnerable populations with access and functional needs
The term vulnerable populations with access and functional needs means—
(A)
the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities (including individuals with mobility, communication, intellectual, and processing disabilities) for whom emergencies may present unique access and functional needs, such as maintaining independence, communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care; and
(B)
include individuals described in subparagraph (A) who reside in institutionalized settings.
Sec. 12. Administrator; Deputy Administrator; other officials of the Agency
(a) Administrator
(1) In general
The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall report directly to the President.
(2) Principal advisor on emergency management
The Administrator is the principal advisor to the President for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States.
(3) Qualifications
The Administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have—
(A)
a demonstrated ability in, and knowledge of, emergency management; and
(B)
not less than 5 years of executive leadership and management experience in the public or private sector.
(4) Executive schedule
Title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in section 5312, by adding at the end the following:
; and
- Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(B)
in section 5313, by striking the item relating to Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
.
(b) Deputy Administrator
(1) In general
The Agency shall have one Deputy Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Administrator shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator and act for the Administrator when the Administrator is absent or unable to serve or when the position of the Administrator is vacant.
(2) Qualifications
The Deputy Administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have extensive experience in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigating hazards.
(3) Executive schedule
Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to Deputy Administrators, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
and inserting the following:
Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(c) Assistant Administrators
(1) In general
The Agency shall have one or more Assistant Administrators, who shall be appointed by the Administrator, and whose duties shall be determined by the Administrator.
(2) Qualifications
Each Assistant Administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management or other field relevant to their position.
Sec. 13. Authority and responsibilities
(a) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall provide Federal leadership necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against all disasters, including natural or manmade, including—
(1)
helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers to major disasters (as that term is defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) and other emergencies;
(2)
with respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team—
(A)
establishing standards and certifying when such standards have been met; and
(B)
conducting joint and other exercises and training and evaluating performance;
(3)
providing the Federal Government's response to all disasters, including—
(A)
managing such response;
(B)
directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team and the Nuclear Incident Response Team;
(C)
overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response System; and
(D)
coordinating other Federal response resources, including requiring deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile, in the event of a disaster;
(4)
aiding the recovery from a disaster;
(5)
building a comprehensive national incident management system with Federal, State, and local government personnel, agencies, and authorities, to respond to such attacks and disasters;
(6)
consolidating existing Federal Government emergency response plans into a single, coordinated national response plan;
(7)
helping ensure the acquisition of operable and interoperable communications capabilities by Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments and emergency response providers;
(8)
assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and carrying out all functions and authorities given to the Administrator under such Act;
(9)
carrying out the mission of the Agency to reduce the loss of life and property and prepare the Nation for all hazards by leading and supporting the Nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of—
(A)
mitigation, by taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from hazards and their effects;
(B)
preparedness, by planning, training, and building the emergency management profession to prepare effectively for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from any hazard;
(C)
response, by conducting emergency operations to save lives and property through positioning emergency equipment, personnel, and supplies, through evacuating potential victims, through providing food, water, shelter, and medical care to those in need, and through restoring critical public services; and
(D)
recovery, by rebuilding communities so individuals, businesses, and governments can function on their own, return to normal life, and protect against future hazards;
(10)
increasing efficiencies, by coordinating efforts relating to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation;
(11)
helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers in responding to all hazards, including natural or man-made;
(12)
supervising grant programs administered by the Agency;
(13)
administering and ensuring the implementation of the National Response Plan, including coordinating and ensuring the readiness of each emergency support function under the National Response Plan;
(14)
coordinating with the National Advisory Council established under section 508 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318);
(15)
preparing and implementing the plans and programs of the Federal Government for—
(A)
continuity of operations;
(B)
continuity of government; and
(C)
continuity of plans;
(16)
minimizing, to the extent practicable, overlapping planning and reporting requirements applicable to State, local, and Tribal governments and the private sector;
(17)
maintaining and operating within the Agency the National Response Coordination Center or its successor;
(18)
developing a national emergency management system that is capable of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against catastrophic incidents;
(19)
assisting the President in carrying out the functions under the national preparedness goal and the national preparedness system and carrying out all functions and authorities of the Administrator under the national preparedness System;
(20)
carrying out all authorities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
(21)
otherwise carrying out the mission of the Agency as described in section 11(b).
(b) All-Hazards approach
In carrying out the responsibilities under this section, the Administrator shall coordinate the implementation of an all-hazards strategy that builds those common capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against all-hazards whether natural or manmade, while also building the unique capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against the risks of specific types of incidents that pose the greatest risk to the Nation.
(c) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Interoperable
The term interoperable has the meaning given the term interoperable communications under section 7303(g)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(g)(1)).
(2) Local government
The term local government means—
(A)
a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments (regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B)
an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation; and
(C)
a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.
(3) Resources
The term resources means personnel and major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(4) State
The term State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any possession of the United States.
(5) Tribal government
The term Tribal government means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation.
Sec. 14. Office of the Inspector General
The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall have an Office of the Inspector General, headed by an Inspector General who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in accordance with chapter 4 of title 5, United States Code.
Sec. 15. Transfer of functions
(a) In general
Except as provided by subsection (c), there shall be transferred to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency the following:
(1)
All functions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as constituted on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, including continuity of operations and continuity of Government plans and programs.
(2)
The functions relating to the Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and other laws, including—
(A)
the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.);
(B)
the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.);
(C)
the National Dam Safety Program Act (33 U.S.C. 467 et seq.);
(D)
the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.);
(E)
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.);
(F)
section 612 of the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 314a);
(G)
title III of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11331 et seq.);
(H)
the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109–295);
(I)
the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public Law 113–2);
(J)
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254);
(K)
the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123);
(L)
the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–53); and
(M)
any other relevant laws relating to the Agency.
(b) Inspector General
There shall be transferred to the Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency all of the functions relating to the Inspector General that were transferred from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland Security on or after January 1, 2003.
(c) Exceptions
(1) Programs unaffected
The following programs shall not be affected by this Act and shall remain within the Department of Homeland Security:
(A)
The grant programs authorized by sections 1406, 1513, and 1532 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act (6 U.S.C. 1135, 1163, and 1182).
(B)
The grant program authorized by section 70107 of title 46, United States Code.
(C)
Programs authorized in subtitle A of title XX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 603 et seq.).
(2) Memorandum of understanding
With respect to the programs under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator shall enter into a memorandum of understanding providing that—
(A)
during the transition period under subsection (e), the Administrator shall continue to administer such programs; and
(B)
the Administrator may assess a fee on the Secretary for the administration of such programs and any additional programs, as considered necessary by the Administrator or the Secretary.
(d) United States Fire Administrator; Federal Insurance Administrator
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the appointment of the United States Fire Administrator under section 5(b) of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)) or the Federal Insurance Administrator under section 1105(a) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4129).
(e) Transition period
The transfers under this section shall be carried out not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. During the transition period, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to the Administrator such assistance, including the use of personnel and assets, as the Administrator may request in preparing for the transfer.
(f) Transition
The Administrator may use—
(1)
the services of such officers, employees, and other personnel of the Department of Homeland Security with respect to functions transferred by this section; and
(2)
funds appropriated to such functions for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly implementation of this section.
(g) Liaison office To ensure coordination with Department of Homeland Security
The Administrator shall establish a liaison office within the Agency to ensure adequate coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
Sec. 16. Personnel and other transfers
(a) Personnel provisions
(1) Appointments
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees, including investigators, attorneys, and administrative law judges, as may be necessary to carry out the respective functions transferred under section 15. Except as otherwise provided by law, such officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with the civil service laws and their compensation fixed in accordance with title 5, United States Code.
(2) Experts and consultants
The Administrator may obtain the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and compensate such experts and consultants for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance of such services at rates not in excess of the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of such title. The Administrator may pay experts and consultants who are serving away from their homes or regular place of business, travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates authorized by sections 5702 and 5703 of such title for persons in Government service employed intermittently.
(b) Delegation and assignment
Except where otherwise expressly prohibited by law or otherwise provided by this division, the Administrator may delegate any of the functions transferred to the Administrator by section 15 and any function transferred or granted to the Administrator after the date of the transfers by section 15 to such officers and employees of the Agency as the Administrator may designate and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be necessary or appropriate. No delegation of functions by the Administrator under this subsection or under any other provision of this division shall relieve the Administrator of responsibility for the administration of such functions.
(c) Reorganization
The Administrator may allocate or reallocate any function transferred under section 15 among the officers of the Agency, and may establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue such organizational entities in the Agency as may be necessary or appropriate if the Administrator, on or before the 30th day preceding the date of the allocation or reallocation, provides to Congress written notice of the allocation or reallocation.
(d) Rules
The Administrator may prescribe, in accordance with the provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, such rules and regulations as the Administrator determines necessary or appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the Agency.
(e) Transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel
Except as otherwise provided in this division, the personnel employed in connection with, and the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by section 15, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, shall be transferred to the Agency. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
(f) Incidental transfers
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Administrator, may make such determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions transferred by section 15, and may make such additional incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with such functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this division. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated by this division and for such further measures and dispositions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this division.
(g) Effect on personnel
(1) In general
Except as otherwise provided by this division, the transfer pursuant to this division of full-time personnel (except special Government employees) and part-time personnel holding permanent positions shall not cause any such employee to be separated or reduced in grade or compensation for one year after the date of transfer of such employee under this division.
(2) Executive schedule positions
Except as otherwise provided in this division, any person who, on the day preceding the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, held a position compensated in accordance with the Executive Schedule prescribed in chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, and who, without a break in service, is appointed in the Agency to a position having duties comparable to the duties performed immediately preceding such appointment shall continue to be compensated in such new position at not less than the rate provided for such previous position, for the duration of the service of such person in such new position.
Sec. 17. Saving provisions
(a) Continuing effect of legal documents
All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants, contracts, certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other administrative actions—
(1)
which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, any Federal agency or official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions that are transferred under section 15; and
(2)
which are in effect on the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, or were final before such date and are to become effective on or after such date, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Administrator, or other authorized official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(b) Proceedings not affected
The provisions of this division shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or financial assistance pending before the Agency on the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, with respect to functions transferred by section 15, but such proceedings and applications shall continue. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as if this division had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this division had not been enacted.
(c) Suits not affected
The provisions of this division shall not affect suits commenced before the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, and in all such suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this division had not been enacted.
(d) Nonabatement of actions
No suit, action, or other proceeding commenced by or against the Agency, or by or against any individual in the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the Agency, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this division.
(e) Administrative actions relating to promulgation of regulations
Any administrative action relating to the preparation or promulgation of a regulation by the Agency relating to a function transferred under section 15 may be continued by the Agency with the same effect as if this division had not been enacted.
Sec. 18. References
(a) References to FEMA
Any reference to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any law, Executive order, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of authority, or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Agency established by section 11.
(b) References to Administrator of FEMA
Any reference to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any law, Executive order, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of authority, or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Administrator established by section 12(a)(1).
(c) References to Inspector General
Any reference to the Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or to the functions relating to such office that were transferred from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland Security on or after January 1, 2003, in any law, Executive order, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of authority, or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Inspector General established by section 14 or to the functions related to the office of such Inspector General.
Sec. 19. Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund
(a) Establishment
There is hereby established in the Treasury a revolving fund for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for operation of any Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, multi-discipline facility to be known as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund
.
(b) Fees for services
(1) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may charge a fee for services and equipment provided at any Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, multi-discipline facility to the Department of Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and other sources authorized by law, and shall deposit such fees charged into the account of the revolving fund established under this section.
(2) Fee amount
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall set the fee authorized under this subsection at rates that will return in full all expenses of operation for the facility or facilities, including accrued leave, depreciation of fund plant and equipment, amortization of automated data processing software and systems (either acquired or donated), and an amount necessary to maintain reasonable operating reserve as determined by the Administrator.
(3) Advance of funds
Participants requesting services or equipment at the facility or facilities shall pay for such services and equipment by advance of funds—
(A)
if the Administrator determines that amounts in the revolving fund are otherwise insufficient to cover the costs of providing such equipment and services; or
(B)
upon agreement between the participants and the Administrator.
(c) Contents of fund
The revolving fund established under this section shall consist of the following amounts:
(1)
Amounts deposited by the Administrator under subsection (b).
(2)
Any other amounts received by the Administrator which are attributable to the programs covered by the fund.
(3)
Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(d) Use of amounts
Amounts deposited into the revolving fund established under this section shall be available for the necessary expenses of operating the facility or facilities, including the provision of equipment and services on a fee basis as authorized under subsection (b).
(e) Deposit of funds during transition
Notwithstanding section 506 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108–90; 31 U.S.C. 501 note) (as extended by section 504 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (division F of Public Law 117–328), and any subsequent law), there shall be transferred to the revolving fund established under this section the assets, liabilities, contracts, inventory, equipment, property, records, and unexpended balance of appropriations and other funds held, used, arising from, available to, or to be made available to the Department of Homeland Security Working Capital Fund for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be merged with the revolving fund and shall be available as authorized by this section.
Sec. 20. Improving disaster assistance for veterans
(a) In general
Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (15 U.S.C. 5141 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
328. Designation of Veterans Advocate
(a) In general
The President shall designate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency a Veterans Advocate.
(b) Responsibilities
The Veterans Advocate shall be an advocate for the fair treatment of veterans in the provision of assistance under this Act.
(c) Duties
The Veterans Advocate shall—
(1)
participate in the disaster declaration process under section 401 and the emergency declaration process under section 501 to ensure that the needs of veterans are being addressed;
(2)
serve as the primary point of contact between veterans service organizations and the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(3)
identify opportunities for expanded veteran recruitment for Federal Emergency Management Agency employment, including Federal Emergency Management Agency reservist positions; and
(4)
conduct such other activities as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers appropriate.
(b) Statutory construction
Nothing in the amendment made by this section shall be construed to authorize major disaster or emergency assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that is not authorized as of the date of enactment of this Act.
Title II Offices and Functions of Federal Emergency Management Agency
Sec. 21. National emergency management
(a) Other officers
Section 103(a)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 113(a)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2)
by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (K) as subparagraphs (D) through (J), respectively.
(b) Repeals
Sections 503, 504, and 506 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 316), and the items relating to such sections in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(c) Regional offices
Section 507 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 317) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)(A) by striking and homeland security
; and
(2)
in subsection (f)(3) by striking other than the Department
.
(d) National Advisory Council
Section 508 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, the Secretary shall establish
and inserting There is established
; and
(B)
by striking protection,
;
(2)
in subsection (b)(2) by striking administered by the Department
; and
(3)
in subsection (c)(1)(D) by striking protection,
;
(e) National Integration Center
Section 509(c)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 319(c)(1)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A) by striking Secretary, acting through the Administrator,
and inserting Administrator
; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking , the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary under section 503(c)(4)
.
(f) Evacuation plans and exercises
Section 512 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321a) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by inserting , in coordination with the Administrator,
after may
; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(2) by striking Administrator
and inserting Secretary
.
(g) Department and agency officials
(1) In general
Section 514 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321c) is amended by striking (a) Deputy
and all that follows through The Administrator of the
and inserting The Administrator of the
.
(2) Clerical amendment
The item relating to section 514 in the table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended to read as follows:
(h) National Operations Center
Section 515 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321d) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b) by striking Department
and inserting Agency
; and
(2)
in subsection (c) by striking Secretary
each place it appears and inserting Administrator
.
(i) Nuclear incident response
Section 517 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321f)—
(1)
by striking Department
each place it appears and inserting Agency
; and
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking direction of the Secretary
and inserting direction of the Administrator
; and
(B)
by striking control of the Secretary
and inserting control of the Administrator
.
(j) Conduct of certain public health-Related activities
Section 518 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321g) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking collaboration with the Secretary
and inserting collaboration with the Administrator
; and
(2)
in subsection (b) by striking with the Secretary
and inserting with the Administrator
.
(k) Use of national private sector networks in emergency response
Section 519 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321h) is amended by striking Secretary
and inserting Administrator
.
(l) Public Health Service Act
(1) Procurement of security countermeasures for strategic national stockpile
Section 319F–2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–6b) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)(1) by striking and in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security (referred to in this section as the
and inserting Homeland Security Secretary
)and in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (referred to in this section as the
; andAdministrator
)
(B)
in subsection (c)—
(i)
by striking Homeland Security Secretary
each place it appears and inserting Administrator
; and
(ii)
in paragraph (2)(C)—
(I)
by striking Secretary of Homeland Security
and inserting Administrator
; and
(II)
by inserting , the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
after Energy and Commerce
.
(2) Improving state and local public health security
Section 319C–1(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3a(f)) is amended—
(A)
in the heading by striking Homeland Security
and inserting Federal Emergency Management Agency
; and
(B)
by striking Secretary of Homeland Security
and inserting Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
.
(3) Partnerships for State and regional hospital preparedness to improve surge capacity
Section 319C–2(d)(2)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3b(d)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
after Homeland Security
.
(4) Facilities and capacities of the centers for disease control and prevention
Section 319D(c)(2)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–4(c)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
after Homeland Security,
.
(5) Emergency system for advance registration of volunteer health professional
Section 319I(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–7b(f)) is amended—
(A)
by striking Secretary of Homeland Security
and inserting Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
; and
(B)
by striking Department of Homeland Security
and inserting Federal Emergency Management Agency
.
(m) Guidance and recommendations
Section 523 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321l) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking the Administrator and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in consultation with the private sector
and inserting the Administrator, in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the private sector
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2) by striking Secretary
and inserting Administrator
.
(n) Voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program
Section 524 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321m) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following: The Administrator shall establish and implement the voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program in accordance with this section.
; and
(2)
in subsection (b) by striking designated officer
each place it appears and inserting Administrator
.
(o) Acceptance of gifts
Section 525 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321n) is amended—
(1)
by striking Secretary
each place it appears and inserting Administrator
;
(2)
in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) by striking Department
and inserting Agency
; and
(3)
in subsection (c)(1) by inserting the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and
after submit to
.
(p) National planning and education
Section 527 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321p) is amended by striking Secretary
and inserting Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary,
.
(q) Coordination of Department of Homeland Security efforts related to food, agriculture, and veterinary defense against terrorism
Section 528(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321q(c)) is amended—
(1)
by striking Agriculture or
and inserting Agriculture,
; and
(2)
by inserting ,or the Administrator
before the period at the end.
(r) Continuity of the economy plan
Section 9603 of division A of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (6 U.S.C. 622) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (H) and (I) as subparagraphs (I) and (J); and
(B)
by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
(H)
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (S) and (T) as subparagraphs (T) and (U); and
(B)
by inserting after subparagraph (R) the following:
(S)
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
(s) Joint task forces
Section 708(b)(2)(B) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 348(b)(2)(B)) is amended—
(1)
in clause (i)—
(A)
by striking including section 504(a)(3)(A),
; and
(B)
in subclause (II) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4)(A) of section 503(c) and section 509(c) of this Act,
and inserting the FEMA Act of 2025
; and
(2)
in clause (ii) by striking , including
and all that follows through section 506
.
Title III Related Matters
Sec. 31. Changes to administrative documents
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall amend Homeland Security Presidential Directive–5, Homeland Security Presidential Directive–8, Presidential Policy Directive–8, and any other similar administrative document to reflect the changes made by this division and the amendments made by this division.
Sec. 32. Recommended legislation
(a) In general
After consultation with Congress, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall prepare recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this division.
(b) Submission to Congress
Not later than 90 days after the last day of the transition period referred to in section 15(e), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report containing the recommended legislation.
Division B FEMA Reforms
Title I Public Assistance Reforms
Sec. 101. Rebuilding public infrastructure
(a) In general
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 408 the following:
409. Expedited repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities
(a) Grants for repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility
(1) In general
The President may make grants—
(A)
to a State or local government for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster; and
(B)
subject to paragraph (2), to a person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the facility.
(2) Conditions for assistance to private nonprofit facilities
(A) In general
The President may make grants to a private nonprofit facility under paragraph (1)(B) only if—
(i)
the facility provides critical services (as defined by the President) in the event of a major disaster; or
(ii)
the owner or operator of the facility—
(I)
has applied for a disaster loan under section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)); and
(II)
(aa)
has been determined to be ineligible for such a loan; or
(bb)
has obtained such a loan in the maximum amount for which the Small Business Administration determines the facility is eligible.
(B) Religious facilities
A church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship, educational facility, or any other private nonprofit facility shall be eligible for grants under paragraph (1)(B), without regard to the religious character of the facility or the primary religious use of the facility. No house of worship, educational facility, or any other private nonprofit facility may be excluded from receiving grants under paragraph (1)(B) because leadership or membership in the organization operating the house of worship is limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice.
(C) Definition of critical services
In this paragraph, the term critical services includes power, water (including water provided by an irrigation organization or facility), sewer, wastewater treatment, communications (including broadcast and telecommunications), education, food and emergency supply distribution, and emergency medical care.
(3) Notification to Congress
The President shall notify the following committees not later than 30 days after making any contribution under this section in an amount greater than $20,000,000:
(A)
The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(B)
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
(C)
The Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(D)
The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(b) Grant requirements
(1) Use of grant funds
Grant funds made to a State, local government, or a person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility under this section may be used—
(A)
to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building codes as of the time of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographical area;
(B)
to repair, restore, incorporate mitigation measures, or expand other selected public facilities;
(C)
to construct new facilities;
(D)
and combined to construct a consolidated facility or facilities of a State, local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility; or
(E)
to fund hazard mitigation measures that the State or local government determines necessary to meet a need for governmental services and functions in the area affected by the major disaster.
(2) Cost estimation
(A) Amount of grants
The amount of a grant made available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be determined, without regard to preexisting condition, based on the estimated cost to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building codes as of the time of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement. Such cost estimate shall—
(i)
be developed by an appropriately licensed professional;
(ii)
include the cost of incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographical area;
(iii)
include associated expenses including labor costs, management costs, materials, and any other costs to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace the impacted facility; and
(iv)
include the cost of developing such estimate.
(B) Presumption of accuracy
The cost estimate carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be presumed to be accurate and reasonable unless there is evidence of criminal fraud.
(3) Submission
Upon submission by the applicant of the cost estimate carried out under paragraph (2), any review by the Administrator shall be completed not later than 90 days after the receipt of such estimate. In evaluating whether such cost estimation is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator may not consider preexisting condition and the evaluation shall be conducted by an appropriately licensed professional with familiarity with the relevant geographical location, including market considerations and availability of labor and materials for the applicable project. Unless there is evidence of criminal fraud, such estimate shall be deemed to be approved not later than 90 days after the submission of such estimate.
(4) Availability of funds
Not later than 30 days after the approval of a cost estimate under this subsection, the Administrator shall make the grant funds available to the applicant.
(5) One-time adjustment
Not later than 2 years after such approval, the State, local government, or person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility may submit a revised cost estimate to account for changes in labor, material, or other costs associated with fluctuations in the market. Upon receipt of a revised cost estimate, the Administrator shall review such revision in the same manner and with the same time limitations as apply to the initial cost estimate.
(6) Finality of approvals
Upon approval of the grant or one-time adjustment, notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, unless there is evidence of criminal fraud, no legal or administrative action with respect to such approval or adjustment, as applicable, to recover any payment under this section shall be initiated in any forum.
(7) Special rule for large, complex projects
(A) In general
A State, local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility may, with the approval of the Administrator, designate a large, complex infrastructure project as a phased project.
(B) Submission of cost estimates
With respect to projects designated under subparagraph (A), the respective applicant may submit cost estimates for each phase designated for such project.
(C) Approvals
The submissions for each phase under subparagraph (B) shall be approved in the same manner and with the same limitations as outlined in paragraphs (3) through (5).
(8) Deadline
All cost estimates submitted under this section shall be submitted not later than 5 years after the date of the respective major disaster declaration under this title, unless the 5-year period is extended by the President.
(9) Progress reports
(A) Reports
A State, local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility that receives funding under this section shall, for each major disaster declared for which funding was provided under this section, submit an annual progress report to the Administrator that includes—
(i)
a list with descriptions of projects funded;
(ii)
a list and number of projects permitted and commenced;
(iii)
a list of completed projects; and
(iv)
a list of remaining projects and the status of such projects.
(B) Public availability
Upon receipt of a report under this paragraph, the Administrator shall make such report publicly available on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(10) Inspector general review
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of 2025, shall conduct a review and submit to the committees described in subsection (a)(3) a report containing—
(A)
a sampling of cost estimates approved in the prior year and assess their reasonableness taking into account labor, material, and market conditions in the relevant locality at the time of the estimate;
(B)
information on whether the Administrator has placed any overly burdensome requirements on the applicant in the submission process, including whether or not the Administrator has failed to accept submissions based on nonsubstantive or technical reasons; and
(C)
any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution.
(11) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Applicable building codes
The term applicable building codes means the latest 2 published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including amendments made by State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial governments during the adoption process that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for design, construction, and maintenance for the relevant project.
(B) Appropriately licensed professional
The term appropriately licensed professional means an individual who is an engineer, architect, builder, cost estimator, tradesperson, or similar professional (or combinations thereof, as needed) that is licensed, certified, or authorized to work in the relevant State to perform the type of work related to producing a cost estimate for the relevant project described under this subsection.
(c) Funding
(1) Minimum Federal share
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of assistance under this section shall be not less than 75 percent of the estimated cost of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement carried out under this section.
(2) Reduced Federal share
The President may reduce the Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than 65 percent through a sliding scale following an event associated with a major disaster in which a State or Indian tribal government has failed to implement appropriate mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the damage. Such mitigation measures shall include—
(A)
establishing and maintaining State-funded mitigation programs dedicated to investment in State and local mitigation projects for public and private nonprofit facilities other than projects carried out with Federal funds;
(B)
maintaining specified insurance on the facilities subject to projects described under subparagraph (A);
(C)
employing qualified State and local emergency management and personnel; and
(D)
using non-Federal funding sources to complete projects in the preapproved project mitigation plan approved under section 322(f).
(3) Increased Federal share
(A) Incentive measures
The President may provide incentives to a State or Tribal government to invest in measures that increase readiness for, and resilience from, a major disaster by recognizing such investments through a sliding scale that increases the minimum Federal share to 85 percent. Such measures shall include—
(i)
establishing and maintaining a dedicated disaster account;
(ii)
establishing and maintaining State risk management programs with dedicated funding for third-party insurance policies, captive insurance, and actuarially sound self-insurance risk pools that insure public facilities against future disaster risk;
(iii)
establishing and maintaining other disaster programs managed and funded by the State, including disaster assistance to individuals;
(iv)
facilitating participation in the community rating system;
(v)
granting tax incentives for projects that reduce risk;
(vi)
facilitating the adoption and enforcement of 1 of the 2 latest editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including amendments made by State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial governments during the adoption process that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this Act for purposes of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters;
(vii)
establishing robust floodplain management standards;
(viii)
updating State risk assessments with future projections;
(ix)
integrating hazard mitigation planning into resource management plans; and
(x)
incorporating multi-beneficial natural systems and nature-based solutions in disaster resilience efforts.
(B) Savings clause
Nothing in this paragraph prevents the President from increasing the Federal cost share above 85 percent.
(4) Considerations
In making cost-share determinations under this subsection, the President shall consider—
(A)
whether a county, or county equivalents, impacted by a disaster has done significantly more to implement the resilience measures listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2) and clauses (i) through (x) of paragraph (3)(A); and
(B)
the total population and capacity of each State to implement such measures.
(5) Combined sources of funding
(A) In general
Grant funding received under this section may be used in combination with other Federal funding and private sector funding.
(B) Conflicting standards
In any case in which a building code or mitigation standard is in conflict across Federal agencies of a combined funding project described in subparagraph (A), any codes or standards promulgated by the President, through the Administrator, pursuant to this Act shall be applied.
(b) Conforming amendments
(1) Sunsets
Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Options
A State, local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility eligible for assistance under this section for a project for which an application has been submitted before the date of enactment of this subsection may opt to receive a grant pursuant to section 409 in lieu of contributions available under this section.
(g) Sunset
(1) Limitation on applications
No application may be approved under this section if such application is submitted on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection.
(2) Sunset of certain authorities
The authorities under subsections (a) through (c) and subsections (e) through (f) of this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.
(2) Public assistance program alternative procedures
Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (b) by striking 406,
;
(B)
in subsection (e)—
(i)
by striking The alternative procedures
and all that follows through and 502(a)(5)—
and inserting For debris removal under sections 403(a)(3)(A), 407, and 502(a)(5), the President shall adopt alternative procedures for—
;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F) as paragraphs (1) through (6), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(iii)
in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(C)
by striking subsection (h).
(3) Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities
(A) Predisaster hazard mitigation
Section 203(i) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(i)) is amended by inserting 409,
after 408,
each place it appears.
(B) Insurance
Section 311 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5154) is amended—
(i)
in subsection (a)(1) by inserting or 409
after section 406
;
(ii)
in subsection (b) by inserting or 409
after section 406
; and
(iii)
in subsection (c) by striking section 406 or 422
and inserting section 406, 409, or 422
each place it appears.
(C) Management costs
Section 324(b)(2)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting 409,
after 407,
.
(D) Specified insurance
Section 406(d) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(d)) is amended—
(i)
in paragraph (1) by striking available under this section
and inserting available under this section or section 409
; and
(ii)
in paragraph (2) by striking under this section
and inserting under this section or section 409
.
(E) Simplified procedure
Section 422(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189(a)) is amended—
(i)
in paragraph (1) by inserting or 409
after section 406
; and
(ii)
in the matter following paragraph (3) by striking 407, or 502
and inserting 407, 409, or 502
.
(F) Agency accountability
Section 430 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189h) is amended—
(i)
in subsection (a) by inserting or 409
after section 406
; and
(ii)
in subsection (e)(1) by inserting 409,
after 407,
.
(c) Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Regulations
(1) Application
Any regulations or policies in effect on the date of enactment of this Act related to Public Assistance or related assistance that conflict or are inconsistent with this section, including subsections (i), (k), and (l) of section 206.201 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 206.202 of such title shall not apply to section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as added by this section.
(2) Notification
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate of any regulations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that the Administrator intends to apply to such section 409. Such notification shall include a justification and specify the ambiguity the regulation is intended to clarify.
(3) Policies
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate any written policies and procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that the Administration intends to apply to carry out this section.
Sec. 102. Task force to address backlog of open declared disasters
(a) Establishment
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall establish a declared disasters task force (in this section referred to as the Task Force
) to develop processes and mechanisms necessary for the Administrator to eliminate the current backlog of open declared disasters.
(b) Composition
(1) In general
The Task Force established under subsection (a) shall include the following members:
(A)
The Administrator, who shall serve as the chair of the Task Force.
(B)
The Associate Administrator within the Office of Response and Recovery.
(C)
The Regional Administrator for Region 4.
(D)
The Regional Administrator for Region 6.
(E)
The Regional Administrator for Region 9.
(F)
The Division Director for Public Assistance within the Office of Response and Recovery.
(G)
Any other subject matter expert who is employed by the Agency, as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(2) Detailees
Members of the Task Force may detail employees who are employed by the Agency to assist the Administrator in fulfilling the duties of the Task Force.
(c) Duties
The Task Force established under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
establish a temporary office within the Agency to address open declared disasters;
(2)
identify the barriers the Agency has experienced in closing out the backlog;
(3)
examine any challenges in reducing the number of open declared disasters that are caused by carrying out the program under section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135);
(4)
make recommendations on how to expedite the appeals of assistance denial process under section 423 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189a);
(5)
identify any barriers preventing the closeout of the excessive backlog; and
(6)
coordinate efforts with any processes implemented by Agency to address the number of open declared disasters, including the Backlog Administrative Closeout Process as outlined in the Public Assistance Backlog Strategy Implementation Guidance adopted June 2024.
(d) Completion of Task Force activities
(1) Submission of results
Not later than 1 year after the establishment of the Task Force under subsection (a), the Task Force shall submit to the Administrator the results of the activities carried out under subsection (c).
(2) Sunset
The Task Force established under this section shall be terminated upon submission of the results pursuant to paragraph (1).
(e) Briefings
(1) Initial briefing
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the Agency’s progress in reducing the backlog and any other activities of the Task Force.
(2) Semiannual briefings
The Administrator shall provide semiannual briefings to the appropriate congressional committees until the Agency closes out 800 declared disasters in its backlog.
(3) Yearly
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter so long as any excessive open declared disasters remain, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the Agency’s closeout of its excessive backlog. Such briefing may be conducted concurrently with a semiannual briefing under paragraph (2).
(f) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
(B)
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
(C)
the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
(2) Backlog
The term backlog means, with respect to a declared disaster—
(A)
the period of performance for the declared disaster has concluded; and
(B)
products and services carried out by the Agency remain to be delivered.
(3) Declared disasters
The term declared disasters means—
(A)
any major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), including any grant program relating to such a major disaster;
(B)
any emergency declared under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), including any grant program relating to such an emergency; and
(C)
any assistance provided for fire management under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187), including any grant program relating to such fire management.
(4) Excessive backlog
The term excessive backlog means any declared disaster that—
(A)
is an open declared disaster; and
(B)
the declaration of which occurred not earlier than 10 years ago.
(g) Closeout requirements
(1) In general
The Administrator shall direct each Regional Administrator to close out a declared disaster in the backlog or the excessive backlog, and disperse the remaining fund balances, as soon as is practicable after the date on which 90 percent of the costs expended for all approved projects or awards relating to such declared disasters are validated.
(2) Agreements
A closeout described under paragraph (1) shall include reaching an agreement for projects or awards that are in active litigation, as the Administrator considers appropriate.
(3) Cost estimates
The Administrator shall close out a declared disaster described in paragraph (1), notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, based on cost estimates.
(h) GAO Review
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review and submit a report to Congress evaluating—
(1)
the effectiveness of the activities of the Task Force described in subsection (c); and
(2)
the progress of the Administrator in reducing the excessive backlog.
Sec. 103. Disaster declaration damage thresholds
(a) In general
In making recommendations to the President regarding the eligibility of a State impacted by a major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall use as a factor for consideration whether the impacted counties, or subdivision therein, in such State meet the definition of an economically distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a rural area under section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(b) Additional authorization
In all cases where assistance under section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as added by this Act, is authorized for a county, or a subdivision therein, that meets the definition of an economically distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a rural area under section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)), the President shall provide assistance under section 408 of such Act.
(c) Revisions to guidance, policies, and regulations
The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to implement subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Savings clause
Nothing in this section shall be construed to constrain the authority of the President to make a determination of eligibility for assistance under section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as added by this Act.
Sec. 104. Federal permitting improvement
Section 316 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5159) is amended to read as follows:
316. Federal permitting improvement
(a) In general
(1) Protection of environment
An action which is taken or assistance which is provided pursuant to section 402, 403, 406, 407, 409, or 502 shall not be deemed a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the action has the effect of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a facility that is damaged by a declared emergency or major disaster pursuant to section 401 or 501 to applicable building codes at the time of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographic area, provided that facility improvements and mitigation activities occur in the same location of the original facility.
(2) Statutory construction
Nothing in this section shall alter or affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to other Federal actions taken under this Act or under any other provisions of law.
(b) Exemptions and expedited procedures
(1) Stormwater discharge permits
A general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities, if available, issued by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or the director of a State program under section 402(p) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1242(p)), as applicable, shall apply to repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a), on submission of a notice of intent to be subject to the permit.
(2) Emergency procedures
The emergency procedures for issuing permits in accordance with section 325.2(e)(4) of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a), and such repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement shall be considered an emergency under such section.
(3) National Historic Preservation Act exemption
Repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a) shall be eligible for a waiver from the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 pursuant to part 78 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Endangered Species Act exemption
An exemption from the requirements of section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)) shall apply to repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a) and, if the President makes the determination required under section 7(p) of such Act, the determinations required under subsections (g) and (h) of such section shall be deemed to be made.
(5) Expedited consultation under Endangered Species Act
Expedited consultation pursuant to section 402.05 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a).
(6) Other exemptions
Any repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement that is exempt under paragraph (5) shall also be exempt from requirements under—
(A)
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);
(B)
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.); and
(C)
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
(c) State-Managed review process
(1) In general
Subject to subsections (a), (b), and (d), with the written agreement of the Administrator and a State, which may be in the form of a memorandum of understanding, the Administrator may assign, and the State may assume, the responsibilities of the Administrator with respect to 1 or more disaster recovery projects within the State under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), so long as—
(A)
the State shall assume responsibilities under this section subject to the same procedural and substantive requirements that would apply if such responsibilities were carried out by the Administrator, including the exemptions and expedited procedures under subsection (b);
(B)
any responsibility of the Administrator not explicitly assumed by the State under such agreement shall remain the responsibility of the Administrator;
(C)
nothing in such agreement preempts or interferes with any power, jurisdiction, responsibility, or authority of an agency, other than the Administrator, under applicable law (including regulations), with respect to a project;
(D)
the Administrator shall not require a State, as a condition of participation in the program, to forego project delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for projects; and
(E)
a State assuming the responsibilities of the Administrator under this section for a specific project may use funds for attorney’s fees directly attributable to eligible activities associated with the project for an increase in management costs.
(2) Assumption of responsibility
If a State assumes responsibility under paragraph (1)—
(A)
the Administrator may assign to such State, and such State may assume, all or part of the responsibilities of the Administrator for environmental review, consultation, or other action required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), pertaining to the review or approval of a specific project; and
(B)
at the request of such State, the Administrator may also assign to such State, and such State may assume, the responsibilities of the Administrator with respect to 1 or more disaster recovery projects within the State under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.).
(3) Rulemaking authority
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations that establish requirements relating to information required to be contained in any request of a State to enter into a written agreement under paragraph (1), including, at a minimum—
(A)
a description of the projects or classes of projects for which the State anticipates exercising the authority under this subsection;
(B)
verification of the financial and personnel resources necessary to carry out such authority;
(C)
a demonstration of compliance with any applicable public notice law of the State, including copies of comments received from a solicitation carried out pursuant to any such law; and
(D)
a demonstration of compliance with applicable Federal environmental and historic preservation law.
(4) Written agreement
A written agreement under this section shall—
(A)
be executed by the Governor of the respective State;
(B)
provide that the State—
(i)
agrees to presume all or part of the responsibilities of the Administrator described in paragraph (1);
(ii)
expressly consents, on behalf of the State, to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the compliance, discharge, and enforcement of any responsibility of the Administrator assumed by the State; and
(iii)
certifies that State laws (including regulations) are in effect that—
(I)
authorize the State to take the actions necessary to carry out the responsibilities being assumed under such agreement; and
(II)
are comparable to section 552 of title 5, United States Code, including providing that any decision regarding the public availability of a document under such State laws is reviewable by a court of competent jurisdiction; and
(III)
agree to maintain the financial resources necessary to carry out the responsibilities being assumed;
(C)
require the State to provide to the Administrator any information the Administrator reasonably considers necessary to ensure that the State is adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State under such agreement;
(D)
have a term of not more than 5 years; and
(E)
be renewable.
(5) Jurisdiction
(A) In general
The United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action against a State for failure to carry out any responsibility of the State under this section.
(B) Legal standards and requirements
A civil action under paragraph (1) shall be governed by the legal standards and requirements that would apply in such a civil action against the Administrator had the Administrator taken the actions in question.
(C) Intervention
The Administrator shall have the right to intervene in any action described in paragraph (1).
(6) Liability
A State that assumes responsibility under paragraph (2) shall be solely responsible and solely liable for carrying out, in lieu of and without further approval of the Administrator, the responsibilities under such paragraph, until the participation of the State is terminated under paragraph (8).
(7) Limitation on agreements
Nothing in this section permits a State to assume any rulemaking authority of the Administrator under any Federal law.
(8) Termination
(A) Termination by Administrator
The Administrator may only terminate the participation of any State under this subsection if—
(i)
the Administrator determines that the State is not adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State in a written agreement under this subsection;
(ii)
the Administrator provides to the State—
(I)
a notification of a determination of noncompliance;
(II)
a period of not less than 120 days to take such corrective action as the Administrator determines to be necessary to comply with the applicable agreement; and
(III)
on request of the Governor, a detailed description of each responsibility in need of corrective action regarding an inadequacy identified under this subparagraph; and
(iii)
the State, after the notification and period provided under clause (ii), fails to take satisfactory corrective action, as determined by the Administrator.
(B) Termination by State
A State may terminate the participation of the State in the program at any time by providing to the Administrator a notice by not later than the date that is 90 days before the date of termination, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may provide.
(9) Audits
To ensure compliance by a State with any agreement of the State under this subsection (including compliance by the State with all Federal laws for which responsibility is assumed under paragraph (2)), for each State participating in an agreement under this subsection, the inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of 2025, shall—
(A)
meet with the State not later than 180 days after signing an agreement to review how the agreement is being implement and plan the first annual audit, including consulting with the State on the selection of the audit team members;
(B)
conduct an annual audit for each year the State is participating in an agreement under this subsection;
(C)
in the case of an agreement with a duration of more than 5 years, conduct a comprehensive audit covering the first 5 years of such agreement;
(D)
complete each audit within 180 days, including time for public comment and responses;
(E)
make all audits available to the public for comment; and
(F)
respond to public comments not later than 60 days after the last day of the comment period.
(10) Monitoring
After a State has been participating in an agreement under this subsection for 4 years, the Administrator shall continue to monitor the compliance of such State with the agreement, including whether the State is providing enough funding to meet the obligations of such agreement.
(11) Report to Congress
The Administrator shall submit to Congress an annual report that describes the administration of this subsection.
(12) Relationship to locally administered projects
A State assuming authority under a written agreement under this subsection may, as appropriate and at the request of a local government—
(A)
exercise such authority on behalf of the local government for a locally administered project; or
(B)
provide guidance and training on consolidating and minimizing the documentation and environmental analyses necessary for sponsors of a locally administered project to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any comparable requirements under State law.
(13) Agency deemed to be Federal agency
A State agency assuming responsibility under an agreement under this subsection shall be deemed to be an agency for the purposes of section 2412 of title 28, United States Code.
(d) Definition of applicable building codes
In this section, the term applicable building codes has the meaning given the term in section 409(b)(11).
(e) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall alter or affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to other Federal actions taken under this Act or under any other provisions of law.
Sec. 105. Unified Federal review
Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by striking section 429 and inserting the following:
429. Coordination of required Federal reviews
(a) In general
In order to expedite disaster recovery, the Administrator shall establish a unified interagency review process to ensure compliance with environmental and historical requirements under Federal law, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), relating to projects carried out through assistance provided under this Act, consistent with applicable law.
(b) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Administrator shall—
(1)
formulate and implement administrative, procedural, and policy mechanisms to enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency to act as the lead agency ensuring completion of the environmental and historical review process for projects in a timely, coordinated, and responsible manner;
(2)
carry out the obligations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency with respect to a project under any other applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction with, other environmental and historical reviews and authorizations being conducted by other cooperating and participating agencies, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the lead agency; and
(3)
in the case in which an environmental impact statement is required for a project, prepare one document under section 107(b) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)) for such project unless the lead agency provides justification in the coordinated project plan that multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project review and authorization.
(c) Considerations
(1) In general
As early as practicable during an environmental and historical review, but not later than the commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies to determine the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a project.
(2) Cooperation
The lead agency and each cooperating and participating agency shall work cooperatively to identify and resolve issues that could delay completion of an environmental and historical review or authorization required for the project under applicable law or result in the denial of any approval under applicable law, including—
(A)
the need for mitigation actions justified by the risk of natural hazards that are consistent with the geographic area in which the major disaster occurred; and
(B)
compliance challenges that may arise as a result of the ongoing recovery from a major disaster.
(3) Range of alternatives
The lead agency shall determine the range of reasonable alternatives for consideration in any document that the lead agency is responsible for preparing in the environmental and historical review for the project.
(4) Methodologies
The lead agency shall determine, in collaboration with each cooperating and participating agency at appropriate times during the review, the methodologies to be used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each alternative determined under paragraph (3) for a project.
(5) Responsibilities
(A) Lead agency
The lead agency (as such term is defined in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) shall make information available to each cooperating and participating agency and State as early as practicable in the environmental and historical review regarding the environmental, historic, and socioeconomic resources located within the project area and the general locations of the alternatives determined under paragraph (3) under consideration.
(B) Cooperating and participating agencies
As early as practicable during an environmental and historical review, cooperating and participating agencies (as such terms are defined in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) shall identify any issues of concern regarding any potential environmental or historical impacts of the project, including any issues that could substantially delay or prevent an agency from completing any environmental or historical review or authorization required for the project, and communicate any issues to the State.
(6) Public comment
The lead agency shall establish a comment period of not less than 45 days and not more than 60 days after the date on which a notice announcing availability of the environmental impact statement is published in the Federal Register to solicit comments from an agency or the public on a draft environmental impact statement, unless—
(A)
the lead agency, the State, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
(B)
the lead agency, in consultation with each cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good cause.
(7) Record of decision
Not later than 90 days after the date on which a final environmental impact statement is issued, Federal agencies shall, to the maximum extent practicable, issue a record of decision for such environmental impact statement.
(8) Categories of projects
The authorities granted under this section may be exercised for an individual project or a category of projects.
(d) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the applicability of section 316 to projects eligible under such section.
Sec. 106. Block grants for small disasters
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
VIII Block Grants for Small Disasters
801. Block grants for small disasters
(a) In general
The Governor of a State or the governing body of an Indian tribal government for the area in which a covered small disaster occurs may request a lump sum payment of the estimated damages calculated under subsection (b) for such disaster in lieu of any assistance under the Public Assistance Program for such disaster.
(b) Calculation
Notwithstanding the requirements of section 206.47(b) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, a payment under subsection (a) shall be equal to the amount that is 80 percent of the total estimated cost of the Federal share under the Public Assistance Program for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the State or Indian tribal government requesting such payment.
(c) Limitations
(1) In general
A State or Indian tribal government receiving a payment under this section may not receive assistance under the Public Assistance Program with respect to the covered small disaster for which a payment was accepted under this section.
(2) Final payment
(A) In general
A payment under this section may not be increased or decreased based on actual costs calculated for a covered small disaster.
(B) Exception
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Administrator may adjust a payment under this section in the event of unforeseen circumstances at no fault of the applicant.
(3) Selection of option
A State or Indian tribal government may designate to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on an annual basis the interest of such State or Indian tribal government in participating in the small disaster authority.
(4) Indication
A State or Indian tribal government shall indicate at the time of the submission of a request for a major disaster declaration that such State or Indian tribal government is requesting assistance for such incident under this section.
(5) Timing requirement
The Administrator and the State or Indian tribal government shall—
(A)
reach an agreement on the amount under subsection (b) not later than 90 days after the incident; or
(B)
administer the incident under the procedures and authorities for the Public Assistance Program.
(6) Administrative plan
To be eligible for assistance under this section, a State or Indian tribal government shall have an administrative plan approved by the Administrator in place at the time of the obligation of funds provided under this section.
(d) Approval of funds
The Administrator shall approve funding for eligible disasters not later than 90 days after a receipt of a complete application, including all required cost estimates and supporting documentation, from the applicant. In evaluating whether such cost estimate is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator may not consider preexisting condition.
(e) Availability of funds
Not later than 30 days after the approval of an application under this section, the Administrator shall make the grant funds available to the applicant.
(f) Use of funds
A State or Indian tribal government receiving a payment under this section may use such payment for recovery for the covered small disaster in any manner determined appropriate by the respective Governor or governing body of such State or Indian tribal government if such funds—
(1)
address impacts and needs resulting from the declared disaster incident;
(2)
are provided to State, Indian tribal government, territorial and local government agencies, and private nonprofit entities eligible for Public Assistance Program funding; and
(3)
are used in a manner that complies with applicable environmental, historic preservation, and civil rights laws (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.)) and any applicable resiliency standards under section 203.
(g) Compliance with other laws and regulations
A State or Indian tribal government shall be responsible for ensuring compliance under subsection (f)(3).
(h) Report to FEMA
A State or governing body of an Indian tribal government shall submit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency an annual report of expenses for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the respective State or Indian tribal government.
(i) Rules of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to—
(1)
affect the eligibility of a State or Indian tribal government for assistance under section 404; or
(2)
affect any program in title IV or V that is not a Public Assistance Program.
(j) Inspector general review
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and annually thereafter, the inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency established in section 14 of such Act shall conduct a review and submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report containing—
(1)
information on the number of States and Indian tribal governments that—
(A)
have designated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency interest in participating in the small disaster authority under subsection (c)(3); and
(B)
have requested assistance under this section;
(2)
a sampling of the reports submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency under subsection (h) and an assessment, based on such reports, on whether funds provided under this section for recovery from covered small disasters have been used to address impacts and needs resulting from such disasters; and
(3)
any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution.
(k) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered small disaster
The term covered small disaster means a major disaster declared under section 401 or an emergency declared under section 501 with estimated damage eligible under the Public Assistance Program of less than or equal to 125 percent of the State’s per capita indicator.
(2) Public Assistance Program
The term Public Assistance Program means the programs under sections 403, 406, 407, 409, and 502.
Sec. 107. Common sense debris removal
(a) In general
Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5173) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking , whenever he determines it to be in the public interest,
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(f) Prohibition on additional requirements
Except as required under subsection (b), the President may not impose any additional requirements for authorizing the removal of debris and wreckage on publicly and privately owned lands and waters, or for making grants for the purpose of such removal, under this section.
(b) Guidance
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall revise any guidance or regulations as necessary to reflect the amendments made by this section.
(c) Best practices
(1) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that certain types of payment structures for debris removal service contracts create challenges for effective oversight, and disincentivize effective clean-up, and increases costs.
(2) Effective contracts
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall—
(A)
complete a review of contracting for debris removal services; and
(B)
develop best practices for such contracts that ensure effective debris removal, speed, and appropriate accountability of costs and oversight of performance.
Sec. 108. Disaster management costs modernization
(a) In general
Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(B)
in the matter preceding clause (i), as so redesignated, by striking provide the following percentage rates
and inserting
provide
(A)
excess funds for management costs as described in subsection (c); and
(B)
the following percentage rates;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
(c) Use of excess funds for management costs
(1) Definition of excess funds for management costs
In this subsection, the term excess funds for management costs means the difference between—
(A)
the amount of the applicable specific management costs authorized under subsection (b)(1) and subsection (b)(2)(B); and
(B)
as of the date on which the grant award is closed, the amount of funding for management costs activities expended by the grantee or subgrantee receiving the financial assistance for costs described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Availability of excess funds for management costs
The President may make available to a grantee or subgrantee receiving financial assistance under section 403, 404, 406, 407, 409, or 502 any excess funds for management costs.
(3) Use of funds
Excess funds for management costs made available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) may be used for—
(A)
activities associated with building capacity to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively; and
(B)
management costs associated with any—
(i)
major disaster;
(ii)
emergency;
(iii)
disaster preparedness measure; or
(iv)
mitigation activity or measure authorized under section 203, 204, 205, or 404.
(4) Availability
Excess funds for management costs made available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) shall remain available to the grantee or subgrantee until the date that is 5 years after the date on which the excess funds for management costs are made available under paragraph (2).
(b) Applicability
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any grant award in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191)—
(1)
the declaration of which is made on or after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2)
that is funded with amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) No additional funds
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
Sec. 109. Streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments
(a) In general
Section 1223 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254) is amended to read as follows:
1223. Study to streamline and consolidate information collection and preliminary damage assessments
(a) Information collection
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Disaster Assistance Working Group of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and other appropriate agencies, shall—
(1)
conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with law, under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be modified, streamlined, expedited, efficient, flexible, consolidated, and simplified to be less burdensome, duplicative, and time-consuming for applicants and grantees; and
(2)
develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on Federal disaster assistance awarded, including the establishment and maintenance of a website for presenting the information to the public.
(b) Preliminary damage assessments
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in consultation with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, shall convene a working group on a regular basis with the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Transportation, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and other appropriate agencies as the Administrator considers necessary, to—
(1)
identify and describe the potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations;
(2)
determine the applicability of having one Federal agency make the assessments for all agencies; and
(3)
identify potential emerging technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems, consistent with the requirements established in the FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017 (42 U.S.C. 5121 note), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments.
(c) Comprehensive report
The Administrator shall submit 1 comprehensive report that comprises the plans developed under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) and a report of the findings of the working group convened under subsection (b), which may include recommendations, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(d) Public availability
The comprehensive report required under subsection (c) shall be made available to the public and posted on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency—
(1)
in precompressed, easily downloadable versions that are made available in all appropriate formats; and
(2)
in machine-readable format, if applicable.
(e) Sources of information
In preparing the comprehensive report under subsection (c), the Administrator may use any publication, database, or web-based resource, and any information compiled by any government agency, nongovernmental organization, or other entity that is made available.
(f) Briefing
Not later than 180 days after submission of the comprehensive report, the Administrator and a member of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall brief, upon request, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the findings and any recommendations made in the comprehensive report.
(g) Implementation
Not later than 180 days after the submission of the comprehensive report under subsection (c), the Administrator shall implement any recommendations contained in such report.
(b) Technical amendment
The item relating to section 1223 in the table of contents of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254) is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 110. Reasonable incident periods
(a) In general
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall convene an advisory panel consisting of emergency management personnel to assist the Agency in reviewing the process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods for all hazards for emergencies or major disasters declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Membership
(1) In general
The advisory panel convened under subsection (a) shall consist of at least 2 representatives from national emergency management organizations, at least 2 relevant county officials, at least 1 representative from the National Weather Service, and at least 5 representatives from each of the 10 regions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency selected from emergency management personnel employed by State, local, territorial, or Tribal authorities within each region.
(2) Inclusion on panel
To the furthest extent practicable, representation on the advisory panel shall include emergency management personnel from rural, urban, underrepresented, Tribal, and insular jurisdictions and representatives of State or local governments with responsibility for the financial or budgetary impact of disasters.
(c) Considerations
In reviewing the process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods under subsection (a), the advisory panel convened under such subsection shall consider the effectiveness of incident periods, including—
(1)
incident periods for slow onset disasters;
(2)
incident periods for correlated noncontiguous disasters;
(3)
incident periods for compound disasters; and
(4)
incident periods for cascading disasters.
(d) Interim report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report regarding the findings of the review under this section that includes any recommendations of the advisory panel convened under subsection (a), including additional legislation that may be necessary to address such findings.
(e) Final report
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report discussing—
(1)
a summary of the findings of the advisory panel convened under subsection (a);
(2)
the implementation of recommendations from such advisory panel; and
(3)
any additional legislative recommendations necessary to improve the effectiveness of incident periods.
(f) Rulemaking
Immediately following a 30-day congressional review period of the report described in subsection (e), the Administrator shall begin a rulemaking to issue such regulations as are necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory panel.
Sec. 111. Fire management assistance program policy
Section 420(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187(a)) is amended—
(1)
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
;
(2)
by striking local government for the mitigation
and inserting the following:
local government for—
(1)
the mitigation; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(2)
assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety irrespective of the incident period for a declared fire.
Sec. 112. Indian tribal government eligibility
(a) In general
Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by inserting , Indian tribal government,
before or local government
;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
(b) Procedure for request
The Governor of a State or the Chief Executive of an Indian tribal government affected by a fire described in subsection (a) may directly submit a request to authorize assistance under this section.; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:
(g) Savings provision
Nothing in this section shall prohibit an Indian tribal government from receiving assistance under this section pursuant to an authorization made at the request of a State under subsection (b) if assistance is not authorized under this section for the same incident based on a request by the Indian tribal government under subsection (b).
(b) Regulations
(1) Update
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall issue regulations updating part 204 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(2) Contents
In issuing the regulations required under paragraph (1), the President shall—
(A)
authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to directly receive a request for a fire management assistance declaration from an Indian Tribal Government and directly provide related grants and resources to Indian Tribal Governments;
(B)
clarify that Indian Tribal Governments for which the President does not grant a request described in subparagraph (A) remain eligible to receive assistance under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) through assistance granted under a fire management assistance declaration made at the request of a State;
(C)
consider the unique conditions that affect the general welfare of Indian Tribal governments; and
(D)
enter into government-to-government consultation with Indian Tribal Governments regarding the regulations.
(3) Fire management assistance declaration defined
In this subsection, the term fire management assistance declaration means a declaration approved under section 204.21(a) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 113. Strengthening closeouts for critical services
Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended—
(1)
by inserting or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility
after State or local government
each place it appears;
(2)
by inserting or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility
after Federal, State, or local government
each place it appears; and
(3)
by inserting or owners or operators of private nonprofit facilities
after State, local, or Indian tribal governments
.
Sec. 114. Sheltering of emergency response personnel
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Sheltering of emergency response personnel
(1) In general
For any major disaster for which the President has authorized emergency protective measures for an area within the jurisdiction of a State, Indian tribal, or local government, the Administrator may reimburse the State, Indian tribal, or local government for costs relating to sheltering emergency response personnel, including individuals that are a part of the same predisaster household as such personnel, in exclusive-use congregate or noncongregate settings if the Governor of the State or chief executive of the Indian tribal or local government determines that the damage or disruption to such area is of such a magnitude as to disrupt the provision of emergency protective measures within such area.
(2) Limitation of assistance
(A) In general
The Administrator may only reimburse a State, Indian tribal, or local government for the costs of sheltering emergency response personnel under paragraph (1) for such a period of time as the Administrator determines reasonable based in the individual characteristics of and impacts to the affected area, including the extent of damage, the availability of alternative housing options, the availability of utilities, and disruptions to transportation infrastructure.
(B) Maximum duration of reimbursement
The period of reimbursement under subparagraph (A) may not exceed the 6-month period beginning on the date on which the incident period ends.
(3) Definition of emergency response personnel
In this subsection, the term emergency response personnel means—
(A)
employees or contracted employees providing law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, emergency management, or emergency communications services; and
(B)
elected officials, except Members of Congress, responsible for the overseeing or directing emergency response operations or recovery activities.
Sec. 115. Emergency protective measures to fight flooding damage
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Further emergency protective measures
(1) In general
In cases in which an owner or operator of a stormwater pumping station engages in flood fighting activities during emergency protective measures or emergency work authorized by this section, the President shall reimburse such owner or operator in accordance with applicable equipment rates regardless of whether or not such pumping stations contain temporary or permanently mounted or affixed equipment.
(2) Flood fighting activities defined
In this subsection, the term flood fighting activities includes dewatering behind a levee by breaching or pumping.
Sec. 116. Fairness and accountability in appeals
Section 423 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Attorney’s fees
In cases in which the Board decides in favor of the applicant or otherwise concludes there is an error on the part of the Administrator in denial of assistance, the Administrator shall reimburse the applicant for attorney’s fees.
Sec. 117. Expedited funding for emergency work
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amending by adding at the end the following:
(e) Disbursement
Reimbursements provided under this section shall be disbursed to the applicant not later than 120 days after the applicant submits a request for reimbursement if the President determines at least 90 percent of estimated costs are eligible for such reimbursement.
Sec. 118. Consistency in procurement practices
For the purposes of applying the procurement standards under part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations to assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), local governments shall be treated as a State or Tribal government under section 200.317 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations.
Title II Individual Assistance Reforms
Sec. 201. Information sharing for Federal agencies
(a) Establishment of unified disaster application system
(1) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall establish and maintain a web-based interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known as the unified disaster application system
, to—
(A)
facilitate the administration of the universal application for direct Federal disaster assistance established under section 202;
(B)
carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the privacy and data protections provided under this section; and
(C)
support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
(2) Authorities of Administrator
In establishing and maintaining the unified disaster application system under this subsection, the Administrator may collect and maintain disaster assistance information received from a disaster assistance agency, a block grant recipient, or an applicant for a disaster assistance program and share such information with any other disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient using such system.
(3) Requirements
The Administrator shall ensure that the unified disaster application system established and maintained under this subsection—
(A)
allows an applicant to receive status updates on an application for disaster assistance programs submitted though such system;
(B)
allows for applicants to update disaster assistance information throughout the recovery journeys of such applicants in accordance with established application timeframes;
(C)
allows for the distribution to applicants of information about additional recovery resources that may be available in a disaster stricken area;
(D)
provides an applicant with information and documentation relating to an application for a disaster assistance program submitted by such applicant; and
(E)
contains any other capabilities determined necessary by the head of a disaster assistance agency.
(b) Data security
The Administrator may facilitate the collection of disaster assistance information into the unified disaster application system established under subsection (a) only after the following requirements have been met:
(1)
The Administrator certifies that the unified disaster application system substantially complies with the data security standards and best practices established pursuant to subchapter II of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, and any other applicable Federal information security policy.
(2)
The Administrator publishes a privacy impact assessment for the unified disaster application system, in accordance with section 208(b)(1)(B) of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note).
(3)
The Administrator, after consulting with disaster assistance agencies, publishes standard rules of behavior for disaster assistance agencies, block grant recipients, and personnel granted access to disaster assistance information to protect such information from improper disclosure.
(c) Collection and sharing of additional records and information
(1) In general
The Administrator may authorize the additional collection, maintenance, sharing, and use of disaster assistance information by publishing a notice on the unified disaster application system established under subsection (a) that includes a detailed description of—
(A)
the specific amendments to the collection, maintenance, and sharing of disaster assistance information authorized;
(B)
why each such amendment to how disaster assistance information is collected, maintained, or shared is necessary to carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program and consistent with the fair information practice principles; and
(C)
the disaster assistance agencies and block grant recipients that will be granted access to the additional information to carry out the purposes of any disaster assistance program.
(2) Notice and publication requirements
The publication of a notice under paragraph (1) of a revision to the unified disaster application system of records prior to any new collection, or uses, of Privacy Act categories of records, to carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program with regard to a disaster declared by the President under section 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191), shall be deemed to satisfy the notice and publication requirements of section 552a(e)(4) of title 5, United States Code, for the entire period of performance for any assistance provided under a disaster assistance program.
(3) Waiver of information collection requirements
(A) In general
Upon the declaration of a major disaster or emergency pursuant to sections 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191) by the President, the Administrator may waive the requirements of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, with respect to voluntary collection of information for the entire period of performance for any assistance provided under a disaster assistance program.
(B) Transparency
Upon exercising the waiver authority under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall—
(i)
promptly post on a website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency a brief justification for such waiver, the anticipated period of time such waiver will be in effect, and the disaster assistance offices within the Federal Emergency Management Agency to which such waiver shall apply; and
(ii)
update the information relating to such waiver, as applicable.
(4) GAO review of waiver of information collection requirements
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a report describing the benefits and potential risks associated with authorizing the waiver of the information collection requirements described in paragraph (3).
(B) Contents
The report required under subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of the extent to which a waiver described in paragraph (3) would—
(i)
affect the paperwork burden for individuals, small businesses, State, local, and Tribal governments, and other persons;
(ii)
affect the consistent application of Federal laws relating to—
(I)
privacy and confidentiality;
(II)
security of information; and
(III)
access to information; and
(iii)
encourage or deter a State or other entity from participating in the voluntary collection of information for the duration of a major disaster or emergency.
(d) Use by other Federal agencies
(1) In general
The Administrator may permit a Federal agency other than a disaster assistance agency listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (f)(3) to use the unified disaster application system established under subsection (a) for the purpose of facilitating disaster-related assistance if such agency enters into an agreement containing the terms described in paragraph (2).
(2) Agency agreement
An agreement entered into under paragraph (1) shall contain the following terms:
(A)
The Federal agency shall—
(i)
collect, share, maintain, and use disaster assistance information in compliance with this section and any policies of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and any information protection and use policies of such Federal agency; and
(ii)
train any personnel granted access to disaster assistance information on the rules of behavior established by the Administrator under subsection (b)(3).
(B)
In the event of any unauthorized disclosure of disaster assistance information, the Federal agency shall—
(i)
notify the Administrator within 24 hours of discovering any such unauthorized disclosure;
(ii)
cooperate fully with the Administrator in the investigation and remediation of any such disclosure;
(iii)
cooperate fully in the prosecution of a person responsible for such disclosure; and
(iv)
assume the responsibility for any compensation, civil liability, or other remediation measures, whether awarded by a judgment of a court or agreed as a compromise of any potential claims by or on behalf of an applicant, including by obtaining credit monitoring and remediation services, for an improper disclosure that is—
(I)
caused, directly or indirectly, by the acts or omissions of officers, employees, and contractors of the agency; or
(II)
from any electronic system of records that is created or maintained by the agency pursuant to section 552a(e) of title 5, United States Code.
(3) Publication of agency agreement
The Administrator shall publish an agency agreement entered into under this subsection on the same website as the unified disaster application system established under subsection (a).
(e) Rule of construction
The sharing and use of disaster assistance information that is subject to the requirements of section 552a of title 5, United States Code, by disaster assistance agencies and block grant recipients—
(1)
shall not be—
(A)
construed as a matching program for purposes of section 552a(a)(8) of such title; or
(B)
subject to the remaining computer matching provisions of section 552a of such title; and
(2)
shall be in addition to any other law providing for the sharing or use of such information.
(f) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Applicant
The term applicant means—
(A)
a person who applies for disaster assistance from a disaster assistance program; and
(B)
a person on whose behalf a person described in subparagraph (A) has applied for disaster assistance.
(2) Block grant recipient
The term block grant recipient means a State, local government, or Tribal government that receives assistance through the disaster assistance program described in paragraph (5)(B)(i).
(3) Disaster assistance agency
The term disaster assistance agency means—
(A)
the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(B)
the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(C)
the Small Business Administration;
(D)
the Department of Agriculture; and
(E)
any other Federal agency that the Administrator permits to use the unified disaster application system under subsection (d).
(4) Disaster assistance information
The term disaster assistance information includes any personal, demographic, biographical, geographical, financial information, or other information that a disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient is authorized to collect, maintain, share, or use to process an application for disaster assistance or otherwise carry out a disaster assistance program.
(5) Disaster assistance program
The term disaster assistance program means—
(A)
any program that provides assistance to individuals and households under title IV or title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.); or
(B)
any other assistance program carried out by a disaster assistance agency that provides assistance to an individual, household, or organization related to a major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 or 501 of such Act, including—
(i)
assistance for activities related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation that are authorized under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);
(ii)
any loan that is authorized under section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)); and
(iii)
the distribution of food benefit allotments as authorized under section 412 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5179) and section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(h)).
Sec. 202. Universal application for individual assistance
(a) Universal application
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall develop and establish a universal application for direct Federal disaster assistance for individuals in areas impacted by emergencies or disasters.
(b) Consultation and support
(1) Consultation
In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consult with the following:
(A)
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(B)
The Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
(C)
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(D)
The Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) Support
The entities described in paragraph (1) shall provide prompt support to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(c) Survey
The application established under subsection (a) shall include a voluntary survey to collect the demographic data of an applicant.
Sec. 203. Clarifying duplication of benefits
(a) Authority
Paragraph (4) of section 312(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(b)(4)), as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254)—
(1)
is restored and revived; and
(2)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
(D) Prohibition on income threshold
In carrying out this paragraph, no income threshold may be applied to limit the eligibility of a recipient from qualifying for a waiver under this paragraph.
(E) Applicability
This paragraph shall apply to any major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, on or after January 1, 2016.
(b) Statutory construction
Section 312(b)(4) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(b)(4)), as restored and revived by subsection (a), shall not be construed to apply to section 406, 408, or 409 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172, 5174).
(c) Further amendment
Section 312(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(a)) is amended by striking or any other source
.
Sec. 204. Crisis counseling and addiction in disasters
(a) Crisis counseling assistance and training
Section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by inserting , substance use, or alcohol use
after private mental health
; and
(B)
by inserting , substance use, and alcohol use
after relieve mental health
; and
(2)
in subsection (b) by inserting , substance use, or alcohol use
before organization providing
.
(b) Report on changes to application
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the Director for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and State alcohol and drug agencies, shall review, adjust, and report to Congress any changes made to the application for assistance under section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) and to any other relevant guidance documents to reflect the amendments made by this section.
(c) GAO report to Congress
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the assistance provided under the crisis counseling assistance and training program established pursuant to section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) and submit to Congress a report describing—
(1)
the duration of assistance provided to individuals under such program; and
(2)
the compliance of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency with the requirement that such assistance may only be used for mental health, substance use, and alcohol use problems caused or aggravated by a major disaster or its aftermath.
(d) Management costs
Section 324(b)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(C) Individual assistance
A grantee under section 408(f) may be reimbursed not more than 12 percent of the total award amount under each such section.
(D) Crisis counseling assistance, training, and case management services
A grantee and subgrantee, cumulatively, may be reimbursed not more than 15 percent of the total amount of the grant award under either section 416 or 426.
(e) Administrative costs
Section 408(f)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174), is amended—
(1)
by striking (A) Grant to State.—
and all that follows through subsection (g),
and inserting Subject to subsection (g)
; and
(2)
by striking subparagraph (B).
Sec. 205. Repair and rebuilding
(a) In general
Section 408(b)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(b)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by striking rendered uninhabitable
and inserting damaged by a major disaster
; and
(2)
by striking uninhabitable, as a result of damage caused by a major disaster
and inserting damaged by a major disaster
.
(b) Hazard mitigation
Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c) by adding at the end the following:
(5) Hazard mitigation
(A) In general
The President may provide financial assistance to individuals and households whose primary residence, utilities, or residential infrastructure are damaged by a major disaster, for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce threats to life and property, or future damage to such residence, utilities, or infrastructure in future disasters.
(B) Relationship to other assistance
A recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph shall not be required to show that the assistance can be met through other means, except insurance proceeds.; and
(2)
in subsection (h)—
(A)
in paragraph (1) by inserting , financial assistance for hazard mitigation under subsection (c)(5)(A),
after subsection (c)(1)(A)(i)
;
(B)
in paragraph (3) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2)
and inserting paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(5) Hazard mitigation
The maximum financial assistance any individual or household may receive under subsection (c)(5) shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in paragraph (1) with respect to a single major disaster.
Sec. 206. FEMA emergency home repair program
(a) In general
Section 403(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (I) by striking and
at the end;
(B)
in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(K)
minor repairs up to habitability of owner-occupied homes damaged by the disaster in order for survivors to safely shelter in place, subject to the availability of appropriations.; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(5) Sheltering and housing options
Not later than 15 days after a declaration of a major disaster, the Federal coordinating officer shall identify all sheltering and housing options available under this section or section 408 to a State Governor, or the designated State coordinating officer.
(6) Definition of minor repairs up to habitability
In this subsection, the term minor repairs up to habitability means the minimum standards for permanent housing described in section 576.403(c) of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(b) Rulemaking
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall issue final regulations to implement the amendments made by this section.
Sec. 207. Direct assistance
(a) In general
Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)) is further amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2) Repairs
(A) Financial assistance for repairs
The President may provide financial assistance for the repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) damaged by a major disaster, or with respect to individuals with disabilities, rendered inaccessible by a major disaster.
(B) Direct assistance for repairs
(i) In general
The President may provide direct assistance to individuals and households who are unable to make use of financial assistance under subparagraph (A) and when there is a lack of available resources, for—
(I)
the repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as a private access route) damaged by a major disaster, or with respect to individuals with disabilities, rendered inaccessible by a disaster; and
(II)
eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the likelihood and future damage to such residences, utilities, and infrastructure.
(ii) Eligibility
A recipient of assistance under this subparagraph shall not be eligible for assistance under paragraph (1), unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.
(C) Relationship to other assistance
A recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph shall not be required to show that the assistance can be met through other means, except insurance proceeds.
(b) State role
Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is further amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e)
each place it appears and inserting paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (4) of subsection (c) and subsection (e)
; and
(2)
in paragraph (3)(A) by striking subsection (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), or (e)
and inserting paragraph (1)(B), (2)(B), or (4) of subsection (c) or subsection (e)
.
Sec. 208. Accurate information to disaster victims
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that an applicant for assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) that has indicated ownership of an insurance policy for a home or facility damaged by a major disaster declared under section 401 of such Act that is owned by such applicant does not receive a notice that indicates a denial of assistance before a final determination has been made regarding the approval or denial of a claim under such policy.
Sec. 209. Improved notices for FEMA assistance
(a) Period of assistance
Clauses (iii) and (iv) of section 408(c)(1)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)) are amended by striking 18-month period
and inserting 24-month period
.
(b) Appeals
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall revise section 206.115 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide to any applicant who appeals a determination of eligibility of assistance—
(1)
any documentation used to make such determination, including any inspection documents that exist;
(2)
a description of—
(A)
the reasons for such determination; and
(B)
recommended steps that could be taken to remedy a determination of ineligibility, including, as applicable, a list of additional documentation that the applicant may provide; and
(3)
any inspection documents that exist not later than 10 days after the completion of the inspection.
(c) Applicability
This section and the amendment made by this section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 210. Common sense displacement assistance for disaster victims
Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(k) Duplication of benefits
(1) In general
In determining eligibility for displacement assistance under this section, the President may not consider insurance a duplication of benefits for the purpose of applying section 312 of this Act.
(2) Displacement assistance defined
In this section, the term
displacement assistancemeans assistance provided under this section for food, water, first aid, personal hygiene items, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, fuel for transportation, emergency supplies and to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available housing options.
Sec. 211. State-managed housing authority
(a) In general
Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (f)(3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by striking A State
and inserting the following:
(i) In general
A State; and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following:
(ii) Transparency
The President shall make public the criteria used to evaluate applications under clause (i) and determine if a State or Indian tribal government meets the criteria described in subparagraph (B) to administer grants described in paragraph (1)(A).;
(B)
in subparagraph (C)(ii)—
(i)
in subclause (I) by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(ii)
in subclause (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following:
(III)
outline the approach of the State to help disaster survivors create a permanent housing plan; and
(IV)
outline the approach of the State to provide individual disaster survivors some choice of communities and properties, as practicable.;
(C)
by striking subparagraph (F);
(D)
by redesignating subparagraphs (G), (H), (I), and (J) as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), and (I), respectively; and
(E)
in subparagraph (I), as so redesignated—
(i)
in clause (ii) by striking Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the
and inserting The
; and
(ii)
in clause (iii) by striking 2 years
and inserting 10 years
; and
(2)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
in paragraph (1) by striking paragraph (2)
and inserting paragraphs (2) and (3)
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
(3) Disaster assistance
In the case of assistance provided under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(2)(B), and (c)(4), the Federal share shall be not less than 75 percent.
(b) GAO assessment
Upon the expiration of the authority to carry out section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) as a pilot program, the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a report on the effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any pilot program carried out pursuant to such section and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of assistance under such section.
Sec. 212. Improved rental assistance
Section 408(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended by inserting , including local postdisaster rent increases,
after accommodation provided
.
Sec. 213. Online guides for postdisaster assistance
(a) Use of services of other agencies
Section 201(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (7) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(8)
postdisaster assistance.
(b) Grants for online guides for assistance
Section 201 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5131) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Funding for online guides for assistance
(1) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide funding to a State agency established under subsection (c) to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to postdisaster recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.
(2) Management
A website created under this subsection shall be—
(A)
managed by the State agency; and
(B)
suitable for the residents of the State of the State agency.
(3) Content
The Administrator may provide funding to a State agency under this subsection to establish a website that contains only 1 or more of the following:
(A)
A list of Federal, State, and local sources of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a major disaster or emergency.
(B)
A list of Federal, State, and local sources of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.
(C)
A technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards such as flooding after a wildfire.
(4) Cooperation
A State agency that receives funding under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in developing a website under this subsection.
(5) Updates
A State agency that receives funding to establish a website under this subsection shall update the website not less than once every 6 months.
Sec. 214. Clarifying sheltering assistance eligibility
(a) Section 403
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Clarification of sheltering assistance eligibility
The Administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed, physical address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households applying for non-congregate sheltering assistance under this section, as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can demonstrate, through alternative means as determined by the Administrator, that such individual or household was residing within the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which assistance is being applied for through means, including shelter records or an affidavit.
(b) Section 408
Section 408(c)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(C) Clarification of sheltering assistance eligibility
The Administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed, physical address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households applying for assistance under this section, as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can demonstrate, through alternative means as determined by the Administrator, that such individual or household was residing within the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which assistance is being applied for through means, including shelter records or an affidavit.
Sec. 215. Access to lifesaving non-congregate sheltering
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall ensure individuals and households that qualify for non-congregate sheltering assistance under section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) are not required to provide a credit card or security deposit to access such sheltering assistance.
Sec. 216. Assistance for total loss
Section 408(c)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
(2)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B) Total loss
(i) In general
In the case of a total loss of an owner occupied residence, subject to section 312, and notwithstanding subsection (h) of such section, if the cost of direct assistance under paragraph (1)(B) exceeds the cost of replacement of such residence, the President may offer financial assistance for replacement of such residence.
(ii) Report to Congress
In any case in which the President is authorized under clause (i) to provide financial assistance for replacement but does not offer such assistance, the President shall provide to Congress a report explaining the rationale for the decision not to provide such assistance.
Title III Mitigation Reforms
Sec. 301. Preapproved project mitigation plans
Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f) Preapproved project mitigation plans
(1) In general
To be eligible to carry out projects pursuant to the requirements of this subsection, a State or Indian tribal government shall, in consultation with appropriately licensed professionals (as such term is defined in section 409(b)(5)), develop and submit to the President a preapproved project mitigation plan.
(2) Submission requirement
If a State or Indian tribal government does not submit a plan under paragraph (1) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the State or Indian tribal government shall not be eligible for an increased Federal share under subsection (c)(3) of section 409 for any assistance provided under such section.
(3) Contents
A preapproved mitigation plan described in paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
a list of projects designed to mitigate damage caused by natural disasters that may occur in such State or the jurisdiction of the Indian tribal government, as applicable;
(B)
with respect to a State—
(i)
not fewer than 1 project for each county or county equivalent in the State; or
(ii)
a written description explaining why a county or county equivalent does not have a proposed project under the plan;
(C)
a detailed description of each project and the benefits of such project; and
(D)
an estimated cost for each project.
(4) Eligible projects
A project is eligible to be included in a preapproved project mitigation plan described in paragraph (1) if such project is eligible for assistance under section 203, 205, or 404.
(5) Peer review of grant applications
(A) Establishment
The President shall establish a peer review process for a nonpartisan panel of at least 30 individuals with expertise related to emergency management, natural hazard mitigation for a wide variety of hazards, including flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, and earthquakes, or insurance underwriting to conduct peer reviews of—
(i)
the projects contained in plans submitted under this subsection; and
(ii)
previously denied projects resubmitted for approval and inclusion in a preapproved project mitigation plan.
(B) Peer review panel requirements
(i) Term of service
The term of service for a member of the panel shall be 1 year.
(ii) Limitation on service
An individual may not serve consecutive terms on the panel.
(iii) Solicitation
Qualified individuals shall elect to serve on the panel following a solicitation by the President for prospective panel members.
(C) Duties
In establishing the peer review process under subparagraph (A), the President shall require that the peer review panel—
(i)
determine whether each project listed in a plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal government under paragraph (1) is cost-effective and designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property, including damage to critical services and facilities under the jurisdiction of the State and or Indian tribal government; and
(ii)
recommend to the President approval or denial of each such project not later than 3 months after the submission of such plan.
(D) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code
Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to activities carried out under this paragraph.
(6) Determination of plan approval
(A) Initial determination
Not later than 1 month after receiving the recommendations under subparagraph (B)(ii), the President shall—
(i)
approve or deny each project in the plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal government;
(ii)
for any plan that contains a project that is approved, approve preapproved project mitigation plan as containing only the projects approved under clause (i); and
(iii)
for any plan that contains a project that is denied, notify the applicable State or Indian tribal government, including information on the reasons for such a denial and any information necessary for the State or Indian tribal government to update such project for resubmission.
(B) Considerations for approval
In approving a project under this subparagraph (A)(i), the President shall consider the following:
(i)
The findings and recommendations of the peer reviews carried out under paragraph (3).
(ii)
The degree to which the projects contained in the plan reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage by reducing the risks associated with natural disasters.
(iii)
The extent of the need of the entity to carry out the projects contained in the plan and the potential of such projects to mitigate hazards to the United States.
(C) Technical assistance
The President may provide technical assistance to a State or Indian tribal government with respect to which a project was denied under subparagraph (A)(i) to assist such State or Indian tribal government to resubmit the project for approval under this subsection.
(D) Default approval
If the President does not make a determination or provide notification under this paragraph, as applicable, with respect to a plan submitted under paragraph (1) not later than 1 month after the peer-review panel submits recommendations under paragraph (3)(B)(ii), such plan shall—
(i)
be deemed to be approved under this subsection; and
(ii)
consist of only the projects recommended for approval by the peer review panel under paragraph (3)(B)(ii).
(E) Resubmittal of denied project
In any case in which a project in a preapproved project mitigation plan is not approved, the State or Indian tribal government may redevelop and resubmit such project for approval at any time.
(7) Effect of plan approval
A project contained in a plan approved under this subsection shall be considered approved under section 203, 205, or 404, as applicable, and shall not be subject to any additional approval requirements, procedures, or reviews under any such section. The President shall accept revised cost estimates for projects listed in the preapproved project mitigation plan so long as the revised cost is necessary to complete the project as described in such plan, as determined by the President.
(8) Additions of projects to the plan
A State or Indian tribal government that has a plan approved under this subsection may submit an updated plan 2 years after the date on which such plan is approved, and every 2 years thereafter, that contains additional proposed projects. The President shall ensure that each additional project contained in such updated plan be subject to the approval project, including the peer-review process, under this subsection.
(9) Savings clause
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the discretion of a State or an Indian tribal government to prioritize or advance projects included in a mitigation approved by the President.
Sec. 302. Reducing disaster costs and protecting lives
(a) In general
Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c) by striking or local government
each place it appears;
(2)
by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
(d) Local government distribution
(1) Suballocations
Each State that receives assistance under this section shall distribute not less than 50 percent of the funds allocated under subsection (f) to local governments carrying out mitigation projects under this section.
(2) Distribution and reporting
Not later than 60 days after receiving assistance under this section, the State shall distribute the suballocations pursuant to paragraph (1) or, in cases in which the assistance would be used for a project that is not contained in a preapproved project mitigation plan under section 322(f), the State shall provide the President with details on the mitigation measures for which such funds will be used by the local government.;
(3)
in subsection (e)(1)(B)—
(A)
in clause (iii) by striking or
at the end;
(B)
in clause (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(v)
to develop preapproved project mitigation plans pursuant to section 322(f).;
(4)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in paragraph (1) by striking on a competitive basis for mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in accordance with the criteria in subsection (g)
and inserting to States and Indian tribal governments through the allocation under paragraphs (2) and (4) for mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in accordance with subsection (g)
;
(B)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2) Allocation
In providing financial assistance under this section, the President shall allocate available funds for a fiscal year among eligible States by formula as follows:
(A)
40 percent of available funds shall be distributed equally among each eligible State.
(B)
20 percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible State based on a sliding scale that provides the highest share of such funds to States that have the most vulnerability to natural hazards in the critical infrastructure of such States.
(C)
20 percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible State based on a sliding scale that provides a higher share to States that have a higher population and a lower median income, using data from the most recent decennial census.
(D)
20 percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible State based on a sliding scale that provides the highest share to States with the highest amount of approved projects located in communities that meet the definition of an economically distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a rural area under section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).;
(C)
in paragraph (3)(B) by striking on a competitive basis
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Tribes
Under this section, the President shall ensure that the amount of financial assistance made available to Indian tribal governments for a fiscal year is not less than $75,000,000.;
(5)
in subsection (g)—
(A)
by striking In determining whether to provide technical and financial assistance to a State or local government under this section,
and inserting In determining eligibility for technical and financial assistance under this section,
; and
(B)
by striking , and take into account—
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting a period;
(6)
in subsection (h)(1), by striking mitigation activities approved by the President
and inserting a mitigation activity funded under this section
;
(7)
in subsection (i)—
(A)
in paragraph (1) by inserting 409,
after 408,
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3) by inserting 409,
after 408,
; and
(8)
by adding at the end the following:
(n) Project administration
A State or local government under this section may provide funding for projects—
(1)
executed through a partnership established between 2 or more eligible entities to carry out a project or similar projects;
(2)
undertaken by a private nonprofit facility;
(3)
undertaken as part of a public-private partnership; or
(4)
executed through a combination of other Federal mitigation programs, including the Federal mitigation program under section 404.
(b) Implementation
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue policy and guidance to implement the amendments made by this section. Any existing regulations, policies, or guidance that are no longer applicable as a result of the amendments contained in this section or that conflict with the letter or intent of such amendments are deemed rescinded.
Sec. 303. Resilient buildings and communities
(a) Predisaster hazard mitigation
Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is further amended by inserting after subsection (l) the following:
(m) Latest published editions defined
For purposes of subsections (e)(1)(B)(iv) and (g)(10), the term latest published editions means, with respect to relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, the 2 most recently published editions.
(b) Hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program
Section 205(f)(5) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135(f)(5)) is amended—
(1)
in the paragraph heading, by striking Establishing
and insert Implementing
;
(2)
by striking establish
and insert implement
;
(3)
by inserting 2
after latest
; and
(4)
by inserting , including any amendments made by State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments to such codes, specifications, and standards,
after standards
.
(c) Residential retrofit and resilience pilot program
(1) Establishment
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall carry out a residential resilience pilot program through the program established under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to make available assistance to States and local governments for the purpose of providing grants to individuals for residential resilience retrofits.
(2) Amount of funds
The Administrator may use not more than 10 percent across allocations of the assistance made available to applicants on an annual basis under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to provide assistance under this subsection.
(3) Timeline
The Administrator shall establish the pilot program under this subsection not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and the program shall terminate on September 30, 2028.
(4) Priority
In carrying out the pilot program under this subsection, the Administrator shall ensure that a State or local government receiving assistance under the program provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need.
(5) Report
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that includes—
(A)
a summary of the grant awards and projects carried out under this subsection;
(B)
a detailed compilation of results achieved by the grant awards and projects carried out under this subsection, including the number of homes receiving retrofits, the types and average costs of retrofits, demographic information for participants in the program, and estimate avoidance in disaster impacts and Federal disaster payments as a result of the grant investments; and
(C)
any identified implementation challenges and recommendations for improvements to the pilot program.
(6) Applicability
This subsection shall only apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(7) Residential resilient retrofits defined
(A) In general
In this subsection, the term residential resilient retrofits means a project that—
(i)
is designed to increase the resilience of an existing home or residence using mitigation measures which the Administrator determines reduce damage and impacts from natural disaster hazards and risks that are most likely to occur in the area where the home is located; and
(ii)
to the extent applicable, are consistent with the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including any amendments made by State, local, tribal, or territorial governments to such codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters.
(B) Inclusion
In this subsection, the term residential resilient retrofits includes—
(i)
elevations of homes and elevations of utilities within and around structures to mitigate damages;
(ii)
floodproofing measures;
(iii)
the construction of tornado-safe rooms;
(iv)
seismic retrofits;
(v)
wildfire retrofit and mitigation measures;
(vi)
wind retrofits, including roof replacements, hurricane straps, and tie-downs; and
(vii)
any other measures that meet the requirements of paragraph (1), as determined by the Administrator.
Sec. 304. Strengthening hazard risk reduction
(a) Improved hazard mitigation delivery
(1) In general
Section 404(c)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c(c)(2)) is amended—
(A)
by striking The President
and all that follows through as a pilot program.
; and
(B)
by striking The criteria shall
inserting The President shall establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted under paragraph (1) that
.
(2) Project consolidation
Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(h) Mitigation project consolidations
(1) Eligible activities
Notwithstanding section 312 and any regulations implementing such section, assistance provided under this section for a mitigation project may be used in combination with—
(A)
assistance provided under section 203; and
(B)
any other Federal assistance provided for such project.
(2) Federal and non-Federal share
For purposes of the Federal share requirements of a mitigation project under this section—
(A)
any Federal assistance provided under section 203 for such project shall be applied toward the Federal share required under this section; and
(B)
any non-Federal funds for such mitigation project that are specified to meet the Federal share requirements of section 203 may be used to meet the non-Federal share requirements under this section.
(3) Total Federal share
Federal assistance provided for a mitigation project under this section and section 203 may not exceed the total Federal share for such project.
(4) Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall—
(A)
affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard mitigation measure under this section;
(B)
affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard mitigation measure under this section or section 203; or
(C)
affect the cost share requirements of a federally authorized hazard mitigation project.
(b) Prepayment relief for hazard mitigation
Section 404(e) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c(e)) is amended to read as follows:
(e) Advance assistance
(1) In general
The President may provide the total Federal share of the estimated cost of hazard mitigation measures to a State grantee eligible for a grant under this section before eligible costs are incurred.
(2) Home retrofits
The Administrator shall offer to advance assistance to applicants from such Federal share for purposes of home retrofits to improve resilience, including home elevations, totaling the total amount of the estimated Federal share of such project before eligible costs are incurred.
(c) Applicability
The amendments made by this section shall apply to a major disaster or emergency declared under such Act before the date of enactment of this Act for which the period for processing requests for assistance has not ended as of the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 305. Utility resiliency
(a) In general
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Electric utilities
(1) Hazard mitigation activities
An electric utility may carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities jointly or otherwise in combination with activities for the restoration of power carried out with assistance provided under this section.
(2) Eligibility for additional assistance
In any case in which an electric utility facility receives assistance under this section for the emergency restoration of power, the receipt of such assistance shall not render such facility ineligible for any hazard mitigation assistance under section 406 for which such facility is otherwise eligible.
(b) Applicability
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall only apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 306. Additional amendments to hazard mitigation revolving loan fund
Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(2)(A) by inserting hazard mitigation, resilience, and
before emergency management
; and
(2)
in subsection (f)(1)(C) by striking 2
and inserting 4
.
Sec. 307. Streamlined hazard mitigation application process
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall establish a consolidated grant application form for hazard mitigation funds provided under sections 203, 205, and 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133; 5135; 5170c), to—
(1)
facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation funds established under such sections;
(2)
facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation funds established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) and section 322(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (as added by this Act);
(3)
ensure the provision of hazard mitigation assistance in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
(4)
reduce the administrative burden of the application and review process; and
(5)
expedite the execution of grant agreements and the disbursement of funds.
Sec. 308. Study and report on mitigation benefits
(a) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of nationwide hazard mitigation activities funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) Objectives
In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall assess how the mitigation programs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency—
(1)
reduce Federal and non-Federal expenditures for disaster response and recovery;
(2)
enhance community preparedness for natural hazards;
(3)
improve the availability and affordability of hazard-related insurance;
(4)
support continuity of operations for critical services and infrastructure; and
(5)
generate long-term cost savings and measurable returns on investment.
(c) Methodology
The study under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided losses;
(2)
evaluations of the effect of hazard mitigation on community-level risk ratings, actuarial assessments, and insurance penetration;
(3)
case studies from diverse geographic regions and hazard types; and
(4)
examinations of the role of mitigation activities in reducing Federal disaster response and recovery costs.
(d) Data sources
In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall use data from—
(1)
Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies;
(2)
independent third-party assessments and academic studies; and
(3)
internal program evaluations and disaster recovery records.
(e) Consultation
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator may consult with—
(1)
the Comptroller General of the United States;
(2)
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(3)
State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; and
(4)
relevant academic and research institutions.
(f) Report to Congress
(1) In general
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a report detailing—
(A)
the findings of the study;
(B)
recommendations for improving program design, targeting, and oversight; and
(C)
recommendations for legislative and administrative actions.
(2) Availability
The Administrator shall make each report submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency not later than 60 days after the submission of such report.
(g) Public availability and ongoing review
(1) Public access
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make the results of the initial study required under subsection (a) publicly available in a searchable, user-friendly format on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2) Contents
The published data under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
summarized findings and datasets, excluding any information that would compromise national security or privacy;
(B)
visualizations and geographic mappings of mitigation outcomes; and
(C)
clear explanations of methodology, data sources, and limitations.
(h) Annual updates
The Administrator shall conduct the study described in subsection (a) on an annual basis, incorporating the most recent available data, updates to methodology, and stakeholder feedback.
Title IV Transparency and Accountability
Sec. 401. GAO review of FEMA transition
(a) In general
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
conduct a review of the transition of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under title I; and
(2)
provide a briefing on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(b) Scope
In conducting the reviews required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall assess the following:
(1)
The continued processing of grants for constructing, reconstructing, repairing, restoring, or replacing eligible facilities.
(2)
The establishment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch to evaluate whether the transition complied with Federal laws relating to labor, procurement, information management, and related statutes.
(3)
The status of the contractual obligations of the Agency.
(4)
Interdepartmental coordination, establishment of new memorandums of understanding, and assistance from the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the Department fulfills all statutory requirements to ensure optimal agency performance during the transition.
(5)
Costs associated with the transition of personnel, equipment, furnishings, and related contents over the course of the transition.
(6)
Personnel retention related to the transition.
(7)
Physical and technological infrastructure needs and which of the needs have been met, to ensure that the Agency has been provided with the necessary resources to carry out the mission of the Agency, following the transition of the Agency.
(8)
Programmatic operations during the transition of the Agency.
(9)
Communication operations to monitor continued connectivity with stakeholders, including State emergency managers, private nonprofit organizations, and other related parties, during the transition.
(10)
Engineer personnel levels at the Agency.
(11)
Contracts entered into with licensed engineering professionals in States that are in geographic areas in which a major disaster has recently been declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
(12)
Best practices and lessons learned during the transition, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and any other key personnel of the Agency.
(c) Sunset
This section shall cease to be effective on the date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, or an earlier date agreed upon by the Comptroller General and the committees of Congress specified in subsection (a).
Sec. 402. Transparency and online accountability
(a) Subpage for transparency of disaster assistance
(1) Establishment of repository for reporting requirements
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the head of each covered Federal agency, shall establish a subpage within the website established under section 2 of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) to publish the information required to be made available to the public under this subsection.
(2) Submission of information by Federal agencies
Not later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, each covered Federal agency that made disaster assistance available to an eligible recipient during such quarter shall, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, make available to the public on the subpage established under paragraph (1) the information described in paragraph (3), and ensure that any data assets of the agency are machine-readable.
(3) Information required
The information described in this paragraph is, with respect to disaster assistance provided by the covered Federal agency—
(A)
the total amount of disaster assistance provided by the agency during such quarter;
(B)
the amount of disaster assistance provided by the agency that was expended or obligated to projects or activities; and
(C)
a detailed list of all projects or activities for which disaster assistance dispersed by the agency was expended, obligated, or used, including—
(i)
the name of the project or activity;
(ii)
a description of the project or activity;
(iii)
an evaluation of the completion status of the project or activity;
(iv)
any award identification number assigned to the project;
(v)
the Catalog for Disaster Assistance number assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(vi)
the location of the project, including ZIP Codes; and
(vii)
any reporting requirement information being collected by a covered Federal agency with respect to that agency’s disaster assistance.
(4) Guidance
Each covered Federal agency, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue such guidance as is necessary to meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Agreement with private entity
The Director, if necessary for purposes of transparency, may enter into an agreement with a private entity, including a nonprofit organization, to develop the subpage required under this subsection.
(b) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered Federal agency
The term covered Federal agency means—
(A)
any agency providing assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
(B)
the Small Business Administration; and
(C)
the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(2) Disaster assistance
The term disaster assistance means any funds that are made available by the Federal Government in response to a specified natural disaster, including—
(A)
any assistance provided by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration as a result of a disaster declared under section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b));
(B)
any assistance provided by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for—
(i)
activities authorized under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, and economic revitalization in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); and
(ii)
flood insurance coverage provided under the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.); and
(C)
any assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(3) Eligible recipient
The term eligible recipient—
(A)
means any entity that receives disaster assistance directly from the Federal Government (including disaster assistance received through grant, loan, or contract) other than an individual; and
(B)
includes a State that receives disaster assistance.
(4) Specified natural disaster
The term specified natural disaster means—
(A)
a fire on public or private forest land or grassland described in section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187);
(B)
a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);
(C)
an emergency declared by the President under section 501 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5191); and
(D)
any other natural disaster for which a disaster declaration is made by the Federal Government.
Sec. 403. Prohibition on political discrimination
Section 308(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5151(a)) is amended by striking or economic status
and inserting economic status, or political affiliation
.
Sec. 404. Review of burdensome regulations and policies
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—
(1)
identifies any regulations, policies, and procedures promulgated pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that—
(A)
are obsolete;
(B)
conflict with other regulations, policies, and procedures;
(C)
conflict with current law;
(D)
set more stringent requirements than required by law; and
(E)
create unnecessary burdens and costs on disaster assistance; and
(2)
contains recommendations on which regulations, policies, and procedures should be amended or rescinded.
Sec. 405. Report on assistance to individuals
(a) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report with respect to fiscal year 2016 through the most recent fiscal year ending before the date of enactment of this Act, and an annual report for any fiscal year beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act, describing—
(1)
the average amount of individual assistance and individual and household assistance provided under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to, and the rate of denial of individual assistance and individual and household assistance provided under such section for—
(A)
all individuals;
(B)
households;
(C)
individuals and households with a reported annual income under 75 percent of the national median household income;
(D)
individuals with a reported annual income over 125 percent of the national median household income; and
(E)
individuals with a reported annual income between 75 percent and 125 percent of the national median household income; and
(2)
an explanation for any factors causing an increase in the rate of denial of the assistance described in paragraph (1), if applicable.
(b) Information required
In the report submitted under subsection (a), the Administrator shall describe the number of homeowners and the number of renters for each category of individuals and households described in subparagraphs (C) through (E) of subsection (a)(1).
Sec. 406. Individual assistance dashboard
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
431. Individual assistance dashboard
(a) In general
Not later than 90 days after a declaration by the President that a major disaster exists under section 401, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish on a website of the Agency an interactive web tool displaying the following information with respect to such disaster:
(1)
The number of applications for assistance under section 408, including a description of the number of applications for assistance related to housing under such section and the number of applications for assistance to address other needs under section 408(e).
(2)
The number of applications for such assistance that are approved.
(3)
The number of applications for such assistance that are denied.
(4)
A ranked list of the reasons for the denial of such applications, including the number of applications for each reason for denial.
(5)
If available, the dollar amount of assistance provided pursuant to section 408 to applicants who are—
(A)
property owners with a household annual income—
(i)
above the national median household income; and
(ii)
below the national median household income; and
(B)
renters with a household annual income—
(i)
above the national median household income; and
(ii)
below the national median household income.
(6)
The estimated percentage of residential property that was destroyed as a result of the major disaster, if available.
(7)
Any other information that the Administrator determines to be relevant.
(b) Personally identifiable information
The Administrator shall ensure that none of the information published under subsection (a) contains the personally identifiable information of an applicant.
Sec. 407. GAO report on preliminary damage assessments
(a) In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the practices, including the accuracy of such practices, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses when conducting preliminary damage assessments for the purposes of providing assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174).
(b) Contents
The Comptroller General shall include in the study conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1)
A comparison of the process and procedures used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete preliminary damage assessments to the process and procedures used by private insurance companies following a major disaster.
(2)
A review of training provided to individuals conducting preliminary damage assessments.
(3)
A comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by individuals above the national median income to homes owned by individuals at or below the national median income.
Sec. 408. Improved rental assistance
(a) Study
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study to examine the unique challenges of renters when seeking Federal disaster assistance and any disparities of assistance provided to homeowners and renters pursuant to section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) and develop a plan that addresses any identified challenges and disparities, including any recommendations for legislative action.
(b) Report to Congress
Upon completion of the activities carried out under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report containing the study and recommendations required under subsection (a).
(c) Consultation
In completing the study and report required under subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall consult with appropriate Federal entities and stakeholders involved in disaster housing.
Sec. 409. GAO assessment on identity theft and disaster fraud in disaster assistance programs
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
conduct an assessment of improper and potentially fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals made to survivors of major disasters declared in 2020 and 2021, including through identity theft; and
(2)
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that describes—
(A)
the prevalence of improper and potentially fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals made to registrants who used invalid information to apply for disaster assistance, including through identity theft;
(B)
the number of disaster survivors whose claims for Federal disaster assistance for individuals were denied due to another individual filing a fraudulent application using their personal identifying information;
(C)
the adequacy of existing fraud prevention protocols in place on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s online application for Federal disaster assistance for individuals; and
(D)
recommendations for improving the identity verification protocols in place for Federal disaster assistance for individuals.
Sec. 410. GAO study on insurance utilization for public assistance-eligible facilities
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall complete a study on the utilization of insurance by facilities eligible for public assistance.
(b) Matters To be studied
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall examine the following:
(1)
The effect of insurance coverage of a State on declarations by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) that a major disaster exists in such State.
(2)
Trends in insurance coverage for facilities eligible for public assistance before and after such facilities receive public assistance.
(3)
The enforcement of insurance purchase requirements under section 206.253 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4)
Rates of noncompliance with, or lapses in, required insurance coverage by recipients of public assistance.
(5)
Rates of insurance coverage among critical facilities eligible for public assistance, including hospitals, emergency operations centers, and public safety buildings.
(6)
Changes in facilities eligible for public assistance obtaining insurance coverage after revisions to flood hazard maps or other hazard designations.
(c) Report to Congress
Upon completion of the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of such study, including findings and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Public assistance defined
In this section, the term public assistance means assistance provided under section 403, 406, 409, or 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Sec. 411. Study on wildfire management plans
(a) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study, and submit a report thereon to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on wildfire management plans.
(b) Contents
In the report submitted under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall include the following:
(1)
A list and description of States that have a completed forest management plan, wildland management plan, or any similar plan intended to guide actions the State plans to take to mitigate the risk of wildfires with respect to non-Federal lands.
(2)
A description of States that have a high risk of wildfires.
(3)
For the States described in paragraph (2)—
(A)
a list of the States that have completed a plan described in paragraph (1); and
(B)
a description of whether such plan is effective at mitigating the risk of wildfires.
(4)
An analysis of whether each State with a plan described in paragraph (1) follows such plan and makes available adequate resources to meet the goals of such plan.
(5)
An analysis of whether any Federal funding for hazard mitigation provided to States with a high risk of wildfires is used to carry out activities related to mitigating the risk of wildfires.
(6)
For wildfires that occurred during the 5-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act, in States that did not have a plan described in paragraph (1), an analysis as to whether damage from such wildfires may have been reduced if such States had such a plan in place.
(7)
A comparison of the plans listed under paragraph (1) and an identification of best practices and areas for improvement.
(8)
Recommendations on whether incentives are needed in Federal funding for States to develop plans described in paragraph (1) and follow such plans.
Sec. 412. Effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal alerting systems
(a) In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies to help communities develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall—
(1)
evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, including platforms such as social media, to disseminate emergency alerts, including travel bans and mass power outages, during extreme weather events;
(2)
assess the extent that guidance and training exists for developing alert content, such as ensuring alerts are clear, relevant, and provide the public with actionable information; and
(3)
determine whether improvements could be made to public alerting, including outdoor siren systems, based on input from a selected sample of emergency managers, local officials, and community groups.
(c) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).
Sec. 413. GAO review of management costs
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report—
(1)
on the actual management costs described in section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) during the period of a major disaster declaration under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) to determine whether the amount set aside for those management costs after the date of enactment of this Act is appropriate; and
(2)
that includes the management costs described in section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) for each disaster declared under during the period of a major disaster declaration under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) during the 5-year period preceding the date of the report, the amount set aside for those management costs, the use of those management costs, the length of each disaster, and the reason for the length of each disaster.
Sec. 414. Report on coordination of disaster assistance to individuals
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report conducted by all relevant Federal agencies to improve the comprehensive delivery of disaster assistance to individuals following a major disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Contents
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include both administrative actions taken, or planned to be taken, by the agencies as well as legislative proposals, where appropriate, of the following:
(1)
Efforts to improve coordination between the Agency and other relevant Federal agencies when delivering disaster assistance to individuals.
(2)
Clarify the sequence of delivery of disaster assistance to individuals from the Agency, and other relevant Federal agencies.
(3)
Clarify the interpretation and implementation of section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) when providing disaster assistance to individuals, including providing a common interpretation across the Agency, and other relevant Federal agencies, of the definitions and requirements under such section 312.
(4)
Increase the effectiveness of communication to applicants for assistance programs for individuals after a disaster declaration, including the breadth of programs available and the potential impacts of utilizing one program versus another.
(c) Report update
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction an update to the report required under paragraph (1).
Sec. 415. GAO review of cost savings associated with repair and rebuilding reforms
(a) In general
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall complete a study on repair and rebuilding reforms carried out by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) Contents
The Comptroller General shall include in the study conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1)
A comprehensive review of the costs associated with providing direct housing assistance options in response to a major disaster or emergency, including temporary housing units, transportable temporary housing units, hoteling programs, and rental assistance.
(2)
An assessment of—
(A)
the relative cost and timeliness of providing permanent repairs or reconstruction of owner-occupied residences compared to the provision of direct housing assistance options, including an evaluation of both short-term expenditures and long-term Federal obligations;
(B)
the effect of permanent repairs or reconstruction assistance on recovery outcomes for survivors of major disasters, including time to reestablishment, housing stability, health and safety, and economic self-sufficiency, in comparison to the recovery outcomes for such survivors who received temporary sheltering;
(C)
the effect of permanent repairs or reconstruction on the ability of survivors of major disasters to remain in or return to predisaster communities, including implications for community cohesion and regional workforce stability;
(D)
the benefits and potential challenges of expanding the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in direct repair or reconstruction, including staffing, coordination with States or Tribal governments, and interagency collaboration;
(E)
the effect of repair and rebuilding reforms on long-term Federal disaster recovery liabilities, including the potential for cost avoidance in future disaster assistance, housing displacement, and repeat assistance cases; and
(F)
the adequacy of existing or proposed safeguards to protect Federal funds.
(3)
A review of the use of permanent repairs of owner-occupied residences and permanent housing construction by the Administrator, including best practices and lessons learned.
(c) Report
Upon completion of the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of such study, including findings and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Repair and rebuilding reforms defined
In this section, the term repair and rebuilding reforms means reforms to the provision of assistance under sections 403 and 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the amendments made by this Act.
Sec. 416. Transparency for disaster declarations
Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(d) Transparency for major disaster declarations
(1) In general
Upon issuing an approval or denial of a major disaster requested by a Governor of a State or the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government under this section, the President shall provide to the Governor or Chief Executive a detailed justification of such approval or denial that includes—
(A)
an explanation of the determination that the damage caused by the disaster did or did not exceed the capacity of the State or Indian tribal government;
(B)
a consideration of loss of life and potential continued threats to public safety;
(C)
the total value of the damage caused by the disaster as estimated by the President, in consultation with the Administrator and impacted State or Indian tribal government, that was used to make the disaster declaration determination; and
(D)
how the President, in consultation with the Administrator—
(i)
determined whether the disaster impacted a rural or economically distressed community or communities; and
(ii)
considered whether there was severe local impact or were recent multiple disasters in the impacted area.
(2) Applicability
This subsection shall not apply in any case in which the President makes a declaration under this section for a major disaster that is requested through expedited procedures, including pursuant to section 206.36(d) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 417. Fast-moving disasters working group
(a) In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall convene a working group to review and develop best practices for preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters.
(b) Membership
The working group established under subsection (a) shall be composed of—
(1)
representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(2)
representatives from the United States Coast Guard;
(3)
representatives from the Department of Defense;
(4)
representatives from the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(5)
representatives of States, Tribal governments, and units of local government; and
(6)
subject matter experts in emergency management, public alerts and warnings, emergency evacuations, and preparedness and response.
(c) Best practices
Not later than 1 year after the convening of the working group pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall issue, and make publicly available, a report on—
(1)
best practices to guide Federal, State, Tribal and local governments in preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters;
(2)
proposed changes to plans and policies of relevant Federal agencies to better assist in preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters; and
(3)
any needed legislative proposals that would support preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters.
(d) Fast-Moving disaster defined
In this section, the term fast-moving disaster means an event that develops or spreads rapidly, causing significant damage and necessitating immediate response, including flash flooding, wildfires, mudslides, and tornados.
Sec. 418. Public assistance dashboard
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
432. Public assistance dashboard
For each major disaster that is declared by the President under section 401 on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator shall, not later than 90 days after such declaration, make publicly available on the website of the Agency an interactive, publicly accessible dashboard that tracks the following information with respect to each such disaster:
(1)
Information on each cost estimate submitted under section 409, including information on each applicant, date of each submission, descriptions for each project, cost of each project with a breakdown of the Federal cost-share and non-Federal cost-share.
(2)
Status of the Agency review and approval of each cost estimate submitted pursuant to section 409, including the date a project is approved and the date the grant is issued.
(3)
An explanation for any cost estimate that is not approved or if the grant is not provided in the timeline as required by section 409 and any corrective action taken by the Agency to conform with the requirements of section 409.
(4)
Project-level progress updates, consistent with the reporting requirements established under section 409.
(5)
Information on requests made under section 801, including dates and amounts of each request, timelines for submissions of required information, and dates of approval and disbursement of funds.
(6)
Any other information the Administrator determines to be appropriate to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of public assistance.
Sec. 419. Improving disaster workforce retention
(a) Improving disaster workforce retention in noncontiguous communities
(1) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of practices of the Agency relating to hiring, recruitment, and retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback from staff in such communities.
(2) Contents
In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—
(A)
evaluate the recruitment strategies of the Agency and efforts of the Agency to broaden the pool of qualified local candidates;
(B)
prioritize input from communities in which there are the most severe staffing shortages; and
(C)
identify specific steps that the Agency can take to improve opportunities for staff in noncontiguous communities.
(3) Briefing
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(4) Policies
The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations of the Agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(b) GAO review of disaster response and recovery in noncontiguous communities
(1) In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities, with a particular focus on recovery efforts relating to damage caused by Super Typhoon Yutu, and compare such practices with the disaster response and recovery practices in contiguous communities.
(2) Contents
In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall—
(A)
analyze ongoing recovery efforts from disasters that have impacted noncontiguous communities;
(B)
analyze the level of coordination between the Federal Departments and Agencies tasked with disaster response and recovery;
(C)
assess how effectively Federal agencies coordinate with State emergency management offices;
(D)
assess the effectiveness of the Area offices and Regional Advisory Councils of the Agency in assisting noncontiguous communities; and
(E)
make recommendations on how to improve the disaster response and recovery outcomes in noncontiguous communities.
(3) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(c) Preliminary damage assessment pilot program
(1) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall establish a pilot program to implement new technology in carrying out a preliminary damage assessment in a noncontiguous community in which a major disaster has been declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
(2) Priority
In carrying out the pilot program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities are prioritized.
(3) Briefing
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the implementation of the pilot program established under paragraph (1).
(4) Sunset
The pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.