Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies. The Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any agencies providing disaster assistance must make available to the public on a quarterly basis information regarding (1) the total amount of assistance provided by the agency; (2) the amount provided that was expended or obligated; and (3) all projects or activities for which assistance was expended, obligated, or used.
Impact
The impact of HB 259, if enacted, would significantly affect the landscape of federal disaster assistance by making it easier for citizens to access information and evaluate how effectively disaster recovery efforts are managed. This increased transparency could help identify areas for improvement in disaster response and recovery processes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for communities affected by disasters. Moreover, the legislation aims to foster trust between the government and the public regarding disaster spending, which is crucial in times of crisis when communities are heavily reliant on timely financial assistance.
Summary
House Bill 259, titled the 'Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act', aims to establish a centralized online repository for tracking federal disaster assistance provided to various entities. This legislation mandates that federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, publish quarterly reports detailing the total assistance provided, the funds expended or obligated, and the specific projects that utilized this assistance. The intent behind the bill is to enhance public transparency regarding how disaster funds are allocated and spent, ensuring greater accountability in federal disaster response efforts.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 259 appears to be generally positive, as legislators recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly in the context of disasters. Stakeholders in disaster recovery, including nonprofits and advocacy groups, have expressed support for measures that would make disaster assistance more accessible and comprehensible to the public. Nevertheless, some concerns may arise regarding bureaucratic burdens and the potential for delays in reporting that could hinder timely disaster recovery efforts.
Contention
While there seems to be a consensus on the need for increased transparency, the contention may lie in the logistics of implementing such reporting requirements across multiple federal agencies. Critics could argue that the requirements might impose additional administrative burdens on agencies, which could detract from their capacity to deliver aid efficiently during emergencies. Additionally, there may be discussions on the adequacy of the proposed definitions of disaster assistance and eligible recipients, ensuring that all entities in need receive the necessary support without unnecessary obstacles.
Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act or the STAND ActThis bill prohibits the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development from obligating or expending federal funds for bilateral, multilateral, or humanitarian non-defense foreign assistance within the first 60 days following a presidentially declared major disaster. The prohibition may be waived if a joint resolution of Congress providing for such a waiver is enacted into law.
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.
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.