Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB10143

Introduced
11/15/24  

Caption

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to transfer certain amounts to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have a significant impact on state laws by streamlining the funding processes for disaster relief. The bill empowers the FEMA Administrator to utilize funds that had been earmarked for COVID-19 recovery but remain unobligated, thus allowing for flexibility in federal funding distribution. This could result in quicker responses to disasters and enhanced resource allocation when states face emergencies, thereby aligning federal assistance with state needs more efficiently.

Summary

House Bill 10143 aims to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to transfer specific unobligated amounts from COVID-19 relief to the Disaster Relief Fund. This legislative initiative underscores the ongoing need for efficient allocation of federal resources in the face of various disaster-related challenges. By enabling these transfers, HB10143 intends to bolster disaster response efforts, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to aid in recovery processes following significant disaster declarations.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB10143 centers on concerns about the prioritization of disaster-related funding over other critical areas impacted by COVID-19. Critics may argue that reallocating these funds could leave gaps in pandemic recovery initiatives, potentially undermining efforts to address healthcare, economic support, and community resilience. As various stakeholders assess the bill, debates may arise regarding the balance between immediate disaster response and long-term recovery planning.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10069

To transfer certain unobligated funds to the Disaster Relief Fund, and for other purposes.

US HB10398

To prohibit certain sex offenders from entering or using the services of certain emergency shelters, to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to designate emergency shelters for such sex offenders, and for other purposes.

US HB3177

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that cost estimates, acquisition of proper materials, and any other activity related to certain projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are performed by professionals licensed in the relevant State, and for other purposes.

US SB5457

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a portion of general business credit carryforwards to be transferred by certain taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters.

US HB316

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.

US HB3957

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.

US HB9927

To terminate the Shelter and Services Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and for other purposes.

US HB10052

Americans First Disaster Relief Act

US HB8456

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement certain recommendations made by the Comptroller General with respect to disaster recovery, and for other purposes.

US SB5515

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.