To transfer certain unobligated funds to the Disaster Relief Fund, and for other purposes.
Impact
This legislation specifically targets unobligated funds that are currently allocated under the Bilateral Economic Assistance heading related to the Economic Support Fund. By transferring these funds to the Disaster Relief Fund, the bill ensures that financial resources are redirected from non-critical areas, allowing for more effective assistance during emergencies. The inclusion of provisions to exclude funds aimed at addressing food insecurity demonstrates a careful approach to resource management, ensuring that essential services are not compromised in the face of disaster funding needs.
Summary
House Bill 10069 is designed to address the transfer of certain unobligated federal funds to the Disaster Relief Fund. The primary aim of the bill is to bolster resources available for disaster response and recovery efforts in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Introduced by Mr. Higgins of Louisiana and co-sponsored by several representatives, the bill highlights the need for adequate funding in times of crisis, particularly as natural disasters have become more prevalent and severe across the nation.
Contention
While the bill aims to enhance disaster response capabilities, it may face scrutiny and debate regarding the reallocation of funds. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the prioritization of disaster relief over other critical funding areas, such as foreign aid or domestic programs aimed at alleviating poverty and food insecurity. This tension reflects broader discussions in the legislative sphere about balancing national and international responsibilities, as well as the effectiveness of redirecting funds in urgent situations. The bill's proponents argue for the necessity of being prepared for natural disasters, while critics may question the implications of such budgetary decisions.
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to establish a pilot program for the construction of temporary disaster assistance housing, and for other purposes.
Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide certain fire management assistance to Indian Tribal Governments, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance for common interest communities, condominiums, and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster, and for other purposes.