Us Congress House Bill HB5775

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/27/23
• Refer: 9/27/23
• Refer: 9/28/23

Caption

Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act

Impact

If enacted, the bill is expected to significantly impact how FEMA allocates federal disaster assistance. The provisions require the agency to develop criteria aimed at promoting equity in its operations and to prioritize the integration of these criteria into existing policies. One key aspect of the bill mandates the adjustment of data collection systems to better reflect the needs and outcomes of diverse communities, thereby identifying barriers to equitable disaster assistance.

Summary

House Bill 5775, known as the Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act, aims to enhance equity in federal disaster assistance policies and programs. The bill proposes the establishment of an equity steering group and the designation of an equity advisor within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It emphasizes the need for improved data collection and analysis to understand and rectify disparities in disaster assistance distribution, ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind during emergencies.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention regarding resource allocation and compliance burdens placed on FEMA. Critics may argue that the newly mandated procedures could slow down response times in emergencies by adding layers of requirements for equity assessments. Furthermore, supporters of the bill assert that without addressing the historical inequities in disaster assistance distribution, vulnerable communities will remain at a disadvantage when facing disasters, highlighting a critical need for such reforms.