Texas House Bill HR2109

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to pass legislation to consolidate funding for FEMA temporary housing programs and HUD long-term housing programs into a single Disaster Housing Response and Recovery Block Grant.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the need to streamline the disaster assistance process. Many victims of Hurricane Harvey struggled with the complex and overlapping systems of FEMA and HUD, often giving up on receiving necessary support due to confusion. By advocating for a block grant system, HR2109 aims to enhance the efficiency of recovery efforts, ultimately benefiting the individuals affected by such disasters by making it easier for them to obtain aid. The intent is for this consolidated approach to save taxpayer dollars and speed up recovery timelines.

Summary

House Resolution 2109 is a legislative measure urging Congress to consolidate funding for disaster recovery housing programs. Specifically, it calls for the integration of FEMA's temporary housing assistance with HUD's long-term housing programs into a single Disaster Housing Response and Recovery Block Grant. This measure arises in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, which resulted in extensive damage across Texas, leaving many residents without adequate support to navigate the recovery process.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not mandate any direct changes to existing laws, it strongly conveys a clear message to congressional leaders about the need for federal action regarding disaster recovery funding. Potential points of contention may arise from differing opinions on the effectiveness of such consolidation, as well as potential shifts in funding priorities that could impact current state and federal programs aimed at disaster recovery.