To amend the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to include certain services in the definition of critical services for purposes of repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities.
Impact
The modifications proposed in HB 718 could significantly influence state laws and local governance by prioritizing funding for the newly designated critical services. This change may help direct more resources toward sectors that previously received less attention in disaster recovery scenarios, potentially leading to better preparedness and quicker restoration times. Local governments and agencies may thus need to adapt to these new definitions and priorities when planning and executing recovery operations, possibly altering budgetary allocations and operational strategies at the community level.
Summary
House Bill 718 aims to amend the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 by expanding the definition of critical services to include solid waste management, stormwater management, public housing, transportation infrastructure, and medical care. This amendment is intended to facilitate the repair, restoration, and replacement of facilities that have been damaged due to various circumstances, ensuring that these essential services can be prioritized in funding and resource allocation during recovery efforts. By redefining what constitutes critical services, the bill seeks to enhance the resilience of community infrastructure and support the recovery processes throughout emergency situations.
Contention
While the bill has the potential to bring about positive changes in how critical infrastructure is managed and funded, it may also lead to concerns regarding resource distribution and the prioritization of certain services over others. Critics of such budget amendments often express worry that expanding definitions without providing additional funding could leave some services underfunded. Additionally, there might be discussions about the implications of federal versus local control in managing these services, and how such changes reflect broader priorities in governmental support during crises.
To amend title 46, United States Code, to include the replacement or purchase of additional cargo handling equipment as an eligible purpose for Capital Construction Funds, and for other purposes.
To amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to codify certain Securities and Exchange Commission no-action letters that exclude brokers and dealers compensated for certain research services from the definition of investment adviser, and for other purposes.
To amend PROMESA to include certain ethics provisions to provide for the disqualification of certain advisors to the Financial Oversight and Management Board, and for other purposes.