No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4669 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4669
To authorize and improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency and
reform Federal disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and
recovery, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 23, 2025
Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Webster of
Florida, and Mr. Stanton) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in
addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize and improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency and
reform Federal disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and
recovery, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fixing Emergency
Management for Americans Act of 2025'' or the ``FEMA Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
DIVISION A--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEMA AS CABINET-LEVEL INDEPENDENT AGENCY
TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Sec. 11. Establishment of independent agency.
Sec. 12. Administrator; Deputy Administrator; other officials of the
Agency.
Sec. 13. Authority and responsibilities.
Sec. 14. Office of the Inspector General.
Sec. 15. Transfer of functions.
Sec. 16. Personnel and other transfers.
Sec. 17. Saving provisions.
Sec. 18. References.
Sec. 19. Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund.
Sec. 20. Improving disaster assistance for veterans.
TITLE II--OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Sec. 21. National emergency management.
TITLE III--RELATED MATTERS
Sec. 31. Changes to administrative documents.
Sec. 32. Recommended legislation.
DIVISION B--FEMA REFORMS
TITLE I--PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REFORMS
Sec. 101. Rebuilding public infrastructure.
Sec. 102. Task force to address backlog of open declared disasters.
Sec. 103. Disaster declaration damage thresholds.
Sec. 104. Federal permitting improvement.
Sec. 105. Unified Federal review.
Sec. 106. Block grants for small disasters.
Sec. 107. Common sense debris removal.
Sec. 108. Disaster management costs modernization.
Sec. 109. Streamlining and consolidating information collection and
preliminary damage assessments.
Sec. 110. Reasonable incident periods.
Sec. 111. Fire management assistance program policy.
Sec. 112. Indian tribal government eligibility.
Sec. 113. Strengthening closeouts for critical services.
Sec. 114. Sheltering of emergency response personnel.
Sec. 115. Emergency protective measures to fight flooding damage.
Sec. 116. Fairness and accountability in appeals.
Sec. 117. Expedited funding for emergency work.
Sec. 118. Consistency in procurement practices.
TITLE II--INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE REFORMS
Sec. 201. Information sharing for Federal agencies.
Sec. 202. Universal application for individual assistance.
Sec. 203. Clarifying duplication of benefits.
Sec. 204. Crisis counseling and addiction in disasters.
Sec. 205. Repair and rebuilding.
Sec. 206. FEMA emergency home repair program.
Sec. 207. Direct assistance.
Sec. 208. Accurate information to disaster victims.
Sec. 209. Improved notices for FEMA assistance.
Sec. 210. Common sense displacement assistance for disaster victims.
Sec. 211. State-managed housing authority.
Sec. 212. Improved rental assistance.
Sec. 213. Online guides for postdisaster assistance.
Sec. 214. Clarifying sheltering assistance eligibility.
Sec. 215. Access to lifesaving non-congregate sheltering.
Sec. 216. Assistance for total loss.
TITLE III--MITIGATION REFORMS
Sec. 301. Preapproved project mitigation plans.
Sec. 302. Reducing disaster costs and protecting lives.
Sec. 303. Resilient buildings and communities.
Sec. 304. Strengthening hazard risk reduction.
Sec. 305. Utility resiliency.
Sec. 306. Additional amendments to hazard mitigation revolving loan
fund.
Sec. 307. Streamlined hazard mitigation application process.
Sec. 308. Study and report on mitigation benefits.
TITLE IV--TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Sec. 401. GAO review of FEMA transition.
Sec. 402. Transparency and online accountability.
Sec. 403. Prohibition on political discrimination.
Sec. 404. Review of burdensome regulations and policies.
Sec. 405. Report on assistance to individuals.
Sec. 406. Individual assistance dashboard.
Sec. 407. GAO report on preliminary damage assessments.
Sec. 408. Improved rental assistance.
Sec. 409. GAO assessment on identity theft and disaster fraud in
disaster assistance programs.
Sec. 410. GAO study on insurance utilization for public assistance-
eligible facilities.
Sec. 411. Study on wildfire management plans.
Sec. 412. Effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal
alerting systems.
Sec. 413. GAO review of management costs.
Sec. 414. Report on coordination of disaster assistance to individuals.
Sec. 415. GAO review of cost savings associated with repair and
rebuilding reforms.
Sec. 416. Transparency for disaster declarations.
Sec. 417. Fast-moving disasters working group.
Sec. 418. Public assistance dashboard.
Sec. 419. Improving disaster workforce retention.
DIVISION A--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEMA AS CABINET-LEVEL INDEPENDENT AGENCY
TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SEC. 11. ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT AGENCY.
(a) In General.--The Federal Emergency Management Agency is
established as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the
executive branch.
(b) Mission.--The primary mission of the Agency is to reduce the
loss of life and property of the Nation from all hazards, including
natural disasters and manmade disasters, by leading and supporting the
Nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness,
response, recovery, and mitigation.
(c) Specific Activities.--In support of the primary mission of the
Agency, the Administrator of the Agency shall--
(1) lead the Nation's efforts to prepare for, respond to,
recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural
disasters and manmade disasters, including catastrophic
incidents;
(2) to build a national system of emergency management that
can effectively and efficiently use the full measure of the
Nation's resources to respond to natural disasters and manmade
disasters, including catastrophic incidents, partner with--
(A) State, local, and Tribal governments;
(B) emergency response providers;
(C) other Federal agencies;
(D) the private sector; and
(E) nongovernmental organizations;
(3) develop a Federal response capability that, when
necessary and appropriate, can act effectively and rapidly to
deliver assistance essential to saving lives or protecting or
preserving property or public health and safety in a natural
disaster or manmade disaster;
(4) integrate the emergency preparedness, response,
recovery, and mitigation responsibilities of the Agency to
confront effectively the challenges of a natural disaster or
manmade disaster;
(5) develop and maintain robust Regional Offices, inclusive
of regional disability integration specialists, that work with
State, local, and Tribal governments, emergency response
providers, and other appropriate entities to identify and
address regional priorities;
(6) provide funding, training, exercises, technical
assistance, planning, and other assistance to build the Tribal,
local, State, regional, and national capabilities (including
communications capabilities) necessary to respond to a natural
disaster or manmade disaster;
(7) develop and coordinate the implementation of an all-
hazards strategy for preparedness that builds the common
capabilities necessary to respond to natural disasters and
manmade disasters while also building the unique capabilities
necessary to respond to specific types of incidents that pose
the greatest risk to our Nation; and
(8) identify, integrate, and implement the needs of
children, including children within underserved communities,
individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations
with access and functional needs, into activities to prepare
for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of
natural disasters and other disasters, including catastrophic
incidents, including by appointing a technical expert, who may
consult with relevant outside organizations and experts, as
necessary, to coordinate such integration, as necessary.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Catastrophic incident.--The term ``catastrophic
incident'' means any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or
other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of
casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the
population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure,
environment, economy, national morale, or government functions
in an area.
(2) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical
infrastructure'' has the meaning given that term in section
1016(e) of Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
(3) Local government.--The term local government means--
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township,
local public authority, school district, special
district, intrastate district, council of governments
(regardless of whether the council of governments is
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State
law), regional or interstate government entity, or
agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska
Regional Native Corporation; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or
village, or other public entity.
(4) Resources.--The term ``resources'' means personnel and
major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or
potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act
of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any
possession of the United States.
(6) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government''
means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional
Native Corporation.
(7) Vulnerable populations with access and functional
needs.--The term ``vulnerable populations with access and
functional needs'' means--
(A) the elderly, children, and individuals with
disabilities (including individuals with mobility,
communication, intellectual, and processing
disabilities) for whom emergencies may present unique
access and functional needs, such as maintaining
independence, communication, transportation,
supervision, and medical care; and
(B) include individuals described in subparagraph
(A) who reside in institutionalized settings.
SEC. 12. ADMINISTRATOR; DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR; OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE
AGENCY.
(a) Administrator.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Emergency Management Agency
shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, and who shall report directly to the President.
(2) Principal advisor on emergency management.--The
Administrator is the principal advisor to the President for all
matters relating to emergency management in the United States.
(3) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall be appointed
from among individuals who have--
(A) a demonstrated ability in, and knowledge of,
emergency management; and
(B) not less than 5 years of executive leadership
and management experience in the public or private
sector.
(4) Executive schedule.--Title 5, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in section 5312, by adding at the end the
following:
``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.''; and
(B) in section 5313, by striking the item relating
to ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.''.
(b) Deputy Administrator.--
(1) In general.--The Agency shall have one Deputy
Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy
Administrator shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by
the Administrator and act for the Administrator when the
Administrator is absent or unable to serve or when the position
of the Administrator is vacant.
(2) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator shall be
appointed from among individuals who have extensive experience
in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigating
hazards.
(3) Executive schedule.--Section 5314 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to
``Deputy Administrators, Federal Emergency Management Agency.''
and inserting the following:
``Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.''.
(c) Assistant Administrators.--
(1) In general.--The Agency shall have one or more
Assistant Administrators, who shall be appointed by the
Administrator, and whose duties shall be determined by the
Administrator.
(2) Qualifications.--Each Assistant Administrator shall be
appointed from among individuals who have a demonstrated
ability in and knowledge of emergency management or other field
relevant to their position.
SEC. 13. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall provide Federal leadership necessary to prepare
for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against all disasters,
including natural or manmade, including--
(1) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency
response providers to major disasters (as that term is defined
in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) and other
emergencies;
(2) with respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team--
(A) establishing standards and certifying when such
standards have been met; and
(B) conducting joint and other exercises and
training and evaluating performance;
(3) providing the Federal Government's response to all
disasters, including--
(A) managing such response;
(B) directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team
and the Nuclear Incident Response Team;
(C) overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response
System; and
(D) coordinating other Federal response resources,
including requiring deployment of the Strategic
National Stockpile, in the event of a disaster;
(4) aiding the recovery from a disaster;
(5) building a comprehensive national incident management
system with Federal, State, and local government personnel,
agencies, and authorities, to respond to such attacks and
disasters;
(6) consolidating existing Federal Government emergency
response plans into a single, coordinated national response
plan;
(7) helping ensure the acquisition of operable and
interoperable communications capabilities by Federal, State,
local, and Tribal governments and emergency response providers;
(8) assisting the President in carrying out the functions
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and carrying out all
functions and authorities given to the Administrator under such
Act;
(9) carrying out the mission of the Agency to reduce the
loss of life and property and prepare the Nation for all
hazards by leading and supporting the Nation in a comprehensive
emergency management system of--
(A) mitigation, by taking sustained actions to
reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and
property from hazards and their effects;
(B) preparedness, by planning, training, and
building the emergency management profession to prepare
effectively for, mitigate against, respond to, and
recover from any hazard;
(C) response, by conducting emergency operations to
save lives and property through positioning emergency
equipment, personnel, and supplies, through evacuating
potential victims, through providing food, water,
shelter, and medical care to those in need, and through
restoring critical public services; and
(D) recovery, by rebuilding communities so
individuals, businesses, and governments can function
on their own, return to normal life, and protect
against future hazards;
(10) increasing efficiencies, by coordinating efforts
relating to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation;
(11) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency
response providers in responding to all hazards, including
natural or man-made;
(12) supervising grant programs administered by the Agency;
(13) administering and ensuring the implementation of the
National Response Plan, including coordinating and ensuring the
readiness of each emergency support function under the National
Response Plan;
(14) coordinating with the National Advisory Council
established under section 508 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 318);
(15) preparing and implementing the plans and programs of
the Federal Government for--
(A) continuity of operations;
(B) continuity of government; and
(C) continuity of plans;
(16) minimizing, to the extent practicable, overlapping
planning and reporting requirements applicable to State, local,
and Tribal governments and the private sector;
(17) maintaining and operating within the Agency the
National Response Coordination Center or its successor;
(18) developing a national emergency management system that
is capable of preparing for, responding to, recovering from,
and mitigating against catastrophic incidents;
(19) assisting the President in carrying out the functions
under the national preparedness goal and the national
preparedness system and carrying out all functions and
authorities of the Administrator under the national
preparedness System;
(20) carrying out all authorities of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency; and
(21) otherwise carrying out the mission of the Agency as
described in section 11(b).
(b) All-Hazards Approach.--In carrying out the responsibilities
under this section, the Administrator shall coordinate the
implementation of an all-hazards strategy that builds those common
capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or
mitigate against all-hazards whether natural or manmade, while also
building the unique capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to,
recover from, or mitigate against the risks of specific types of
incidents that pose the greatest risk to the Nation.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Interoperable.--The term ``interoperable'' has the
meaning given the term ``interoperable communications'' under
section 7303(g)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(g)(1)).
(2) Local government.--The term local government means--
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township,
local public authority, school district, special
district, intrastate district, council of governments
(regardless of whether the council of governments is
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State
law), regional or interstate government entity, or
agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska
Regional Native Corporation; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or
village, or other public entity.
(3) Resources.--The term ``resources'' means personnel and
major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or
potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act
of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any
possession of the United States.
(5) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government''
means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional
Native Corporation.
SEC. 14. OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall have an Office of the
Inspector General, headed by an Inspector General who shall be
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, in accordance with chapter 4 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 15. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided by subsection (c), there shall
be transferred to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency the following:
(1) All functions of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, as constituted on the day before the date of enactment
of this Act, including continuity of operations and continuity
of Government plans and programs.
(2) The functions relating to the Agency under the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and other laws, including--
(A) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4001 et seq.);
(B) the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.);
(C) the National Dam Safety Program Act (33 U.S.C.
467 et seq.);
(D) the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.);
(E) Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 (5 U.S.C.
App.);
(F) section 612 of the Security and Accountability
For Every Port Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 314a);
(G) title III of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11331 et seq.);
(H) the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295);
(I) the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013
(Public Law 113-2);
(J) the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-254);
(K) the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-123);
(L) the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11
Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53); and
(M) any other relevant laws relating to the Agency.
(b) Inspector General.--There shall be transferred to the Inspector
General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency all of the functions
relating to the Inspector General that were transferred from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland
Security on or after January 1, 2003.
(c) Exceptions.--
(1) Programs unaffected.--The following programs shall not
be affected by this Act and shall remain within the Department
of Homeland Security:
(A) The grant programs authorized by sections 1406,
1513, and 1532 of the Implementing Recommendations of
the 9/11 Commission Act (6 U.S.C. 1135, 1163, and
1182).
(B) The grant program authorized by section 70107
of title 46, United States Code.
(C) Programs authorized in subtitle A of title XX
of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 603 et
seq.).
(2) Memorandum of understanding.--With respect to the
programs under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland
Security and the Administrator shall enter into a memorandum of
understanding providing that--
(A) during the transition period under subsection
(e), the Administrator shall continue to administer
such programs; and
(B) the Administrator may assess a fee on the
Secretary for the administration of such programs and
any additional programs, as considered necessary by the
Administrator or the Secretary.
(d) United States Fire Administrator; Federal Insurance
Administrator.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the
appointment of the United States Fire Administrator under section 5(b)
of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)) or
the Federal Insurance Administrator under section 1105(a) of the
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4129).
(e) Transition Period.--The transfers under this section shall be
carried out not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act. During the transition period, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall provide to the Administrator such assistance, including the use
of personnel and assets, as the Administrator may request in preparing
for the transfer.
(f) Transition.--The Administrator may use--
(1) the services of such officers, employees, and other
personnel of the Department of Homeland Security with respect
to functions transferred by this section; and
(2) funds appropriated to such functions for such period of
time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly
implementation of this section.
(g) Liaison Office To Ensure Coordination With Department of
Homeland Security.--The Administrator shall establish a liaison office
within the Agency to ensure adequate coordination with the Department
of Homeland Security.
SEC. 16. PERSONNEL AND OTHER TRANSFERS.
(a) Personnel Provisions.--
(1) Appointments.--The Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency may appoint and fix the
compensation of such officers and employees, including
investigators, attorneys, and administrative law judges, as may
be necessary to carry out the respective functions transferred
under section 15. Except as otherwise provided by law, such
officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with
the civil service laws and their compensation fixed in
accordance with title 5, United States Code.
(2) Experts and consultants.--The Administrator may obtain
the services of experts and consultants in accordance with
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and compensate
such experts and consultants for each day (including travel
time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance
of such services at rates not in excess of the rate of pay for
level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of such
title. The Administrator may pay experts and consultants who
are serving away from their homes or regular place of business,
travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates
authorized by sections 5702 and 5703 of such title for persons
in Government service employed intermittently.
(b) Delegation and Assignment.--Except where otherwise expressly
prohibited by law or otherwise provided by this division, the
Administrator may delegate any of the functions transferred to the
Administrator by section 15 and any function transferred or granted to
the Administrator after the date of the transfers by section 15 to such
officers and employees of the Agency as the Administrator may designate
and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be
necessary or appropriate. No delegation of functions by the
Administrator under this subsection or under any other provision of
this division shall relieve the Administrator of responsibility for the
administration of such functions.
(c) Reorganization.--The Administrator may allocate or reallocate
any function transferred under section 15 among the officers of the
Agency, and may establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue such
organizational entities in the Agency as may be necessary or
appropriate if the Administrator, on or before the 30th day preceding
the date of the allocation or reallocation, provides to Congress
written notice of the allocation or reallocation.
(d) Rules.--The Administrator may prescribe, in accordance with the
provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, such
rules and regulations as the Administrator determines necessary or
appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the Agency.
(e) Transfer and Allocations of Appropriations and Personnel.--
Except as otherwise provided in this division, the personnel employed
in connection with, and the assets, liabilities, contracts, property,
records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations,
allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, arising from,
available to, or to be made available in connection with the functions
transferred by section 15, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United
States Code, shall be transferred to the Agency. Unexpended funds
transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the
purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and
appropriated.
(f) Incidental Transfers.--The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget, in consultation with the Administrator, may make such
determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions
transferred by section 15, and may make such additional incidental
dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts,
property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations,
authorizations, allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from,
available to, or to be made available in connection with such
functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
division. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall
provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated
by this division and for such further measures and dispositions as may
be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this division.
(g) Effect on Personnel.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided by this
division, the transfer pursuant to this division of full-time
personnel (except special Government employees) and part-time
personnel holding permanent positions shall not cause any such
employee to be separated or reduced in grade or compensation
for one year after the date of transfer of such employee under
this division.
(2) Executive schedule positions.--Except as otherwise
provided in this division, any person who, on the day preceding
the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, held a
position compensated in accordance with the Executive Schedule
prescribed in chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, and
who, without a break in service, is appointed in the Agency to
a position having duties comparable to the duties performed
immediately preceding such appointment shall continue to be
compensated in such new position at not less than the rate
provided for such previous position, for the duration of the
service of such person in such new position.
SEC. 17. SAVING PROVISIONS.
(a) Continuing Effect of Legal Documents.--All orders,
determinations, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants,
contracts, certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other
administrative actions--
(1) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to
become effective by the President, any Federal agency or
official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in
the performance of functions that are transferred under section
15; and
(2) which are in effect on the date of the transfers of
functions under section 15, or were final before such date and
are to become effective on or after such date, shall continue
in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated,
superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the
President, the Administrator, or other authorized official, a
court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(b) Proceedings Not Affected.--The provisions of this division
shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed
rulemaking, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or
financial assistance pending before the Agency on the date of the
transfers of functions under section 15, with respect to functions
transferred by section 15, but such proceedings and applications shall
continue. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be
taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as
if this division had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such
proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated,
superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court of
competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this
subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or
modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions
and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been
discontinued or modified if this division had not been enacted.
(c) Suits Not Affected.--The provisions of this division shall not
affect suits commenced before the date of the transfers of functions
under section 15, and in all such suits, proceedings shall be had,
appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the
same effect as if this division had not been enacted.
(d) Nonabatement of Actions.--No suit, action, or other proceeding
commenced by or against the Agency, or by or against any individual in
the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the Agency,
shall abate by reason of the enactment of this division.
(e) Administrative Actions Relating to Promulgation of
Regulations.--Any administrative action relating to the preparation or
promulgation of a regulation by the Agency relating to a function
transferred under section 15 may be continued by the Agency with the
same effect as if this division had not been enacted.
SEC. 18. REFERENCES.
(a) References to FEMA.--Any reference to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency in any law, Executive order, rule, regulation,
certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of authority, or other
official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Agency
established by section 11.
(b) References to Administrator of FEMA.--Any reference to the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any law,
Executive order, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction,
delegation of authority, or other official paper shall be considered to
refer and apply to the Administrator established by section 12(a)(1).
(c) References to Inspector General.--Any reference to the
Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or to the
functions relating to such office that were transferred from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland
Security on or after January 1, 2003, in any law, Executive order,
rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of
authority, or other official paper shall be considered to refer and
apply to the Inspector General established by section 14 or to the
functions related to the office of such Inspector General.
SEC. 19. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY WORKING CAPITAL FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the Treasury a
revolving fund for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for
operation of any Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters,
multi-discipline facility to be known as the ``Federal Emergency
Management Agency Working Capital Fund''.
(b) Fees for Services.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency may charge a fee for services and equipment
provided at any Federal Emergency Management Agency
headquarters, multi-discipline facility to the Department of
Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and other sources
authorized by law, and shall deposit such fees charged into the
account of the revolving fund established under this section.
(2) Fee amount.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall set the fee authorized under this
subsection at rates that will return in full all expenses of
operation for the facility or facilities, including accrued
leave, depreciation of fund plant and equipment, amortization
of automated data processing software and systems (either
acquired or donated), and an amount necessary to maintain
reasonable operating reserve as determined by the
Administrator.
(3) Advance of funds.--Participants requesting services or
equipment at the facility or facilities shall pay for such
services and equipment by advance of funds--
(A) if the Administrator determines that amounts in
the revolving fund are otherwise insufficient to cover
the costs of providing such equipment and services; or
(B) upon agreement between the participants and the
Administrator.
(c) Contents of Fund.--The revolving fund established under this
section shall consist of the following amounts:
(1) Amounts deposited by the Administrator under subsection
(b).
(2) Any other amounts received by the Administrator which
are attributable to the programs covered by the fund.
(3) Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(d) Use of Amounts.--Amounts deposited into the revolving fund
established under this section shall be available for the necessary
expenses of operating the facility or facilities, including the
provision of equipment and services on a fee basis as authorized under
subsection (b).
(e) Deposit of Funds During Transition.--Notwithstanding section
506 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004
(Public Law 108-90; 31 U.S.C. 501 note) (as extended by section 504 of
the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (division
F of Public Law 117-328), and any subsequent law), there shall be
transferred to the revolving fund established under this section the
assets, liabilities, contracts, inventory, equipment, property,
records, and unexpended balance of appropriations and other funds held,
used, arising from, available to, or to be made available to the
Department of Homeland Security Working Capital Fund for the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to
this paragraph shall be merged with the revolving fund and shall be
available as authorized by this section.
SEC. 20. IMPROVING DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (15 U.S.C. 5141 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 328. DESIGNATION OF VETERANS ADVOCATE.
``(a) In General.--The President shall designate in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency a Veterans Advocate.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Veterans Advocate shall be an advocate
for the fair treatment of veterans in the provision of assistance under
this Act.
``(c) Duties.--The Veterans Advocate shall--
``(1) participate in the disaster declaration process under
section 401 and the emergency declaration process under section
501 to ensure that the needs of veterans are being addressed;
``(2) serve as the primary point of contact between
veterans service organizations and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency;
``(3) identify opportunities for expanded veteran
recruitment for Federal Emergency Management Agency employment,
including Federal Emergency Management Agency reservist
positions; and
``(4) conduct such other activities as the Administrator of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers
appropriate.''.
(b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in the amendment made by this
section shall be construed to authorize major disaster or emergency
assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that is not authorized as of
the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE II--OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SEC. 21. NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
(a) Other Officers.--Section 103(a)(1) of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 113(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (K) as
subparagraphs (D) through (J), respectively.
(b) Repeals.--Sections 503, 504, and 506 of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 316), and the items relating to such sections in
section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(c) Regional Offices.--Section 507 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 317) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A) by striking ``and homeland
security''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(3) by striking ``other than the
Department''.
(d) National Advisory Council.--Section 508 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of the Post-Katrina Emergency
Management Reform Act of 2006, the Secretary shall
establish'' and inserting ``There is established''; and
(B) by striking ``protection,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``administered by the
Department''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1)(D) by striking ``protection,'';
(e) National Integration Center.--Section 509(c)(1) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 319(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``Secretary, acting
through the Administrator,'' and inserting ``Administrator'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking ``, the Homeland
Security Council, and the Secretary under section 503(c)(4)''.
(f) Evacuation Plans and Exercises.--Section 512 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``, in coordination with
the Administrator,'' after ``may''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``Administrator'' and
inserting ``Secretary''.
(g) Department and Agency Officials.--
(1) In general.--Section 514 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321c) is amended by striking ``(a) Deputy''
and all that follows through ``The Administrator of the'' and
inserting ``The Administrator of the''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The item relating to section 514
in the table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 is amended to read as follows:
``514. United States Fire Administration.''.
(h) National Operations Center.--Section 515 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ``Department'' and
inserting ``Agency''; and
(2) in subsection (c) by striking ``Secretary'' each place
it appears and inserting ``Administrator''.
(i) Nuclear Incident Response.--Section 517 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321f)--
(1) by striking ``Department'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Agency''; and
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``direction of the Secretary'' and
inserting ``direction of the Administrator''; and
(B) by striking ``control of the Secretary'' and
inserting ``control of the Administrator''.
(j) Conduct of Certain Public Health-Related Activities.--Section
518 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``collaboration with the
Secretary'' and inserting ``collaboration with the
Administrator''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``with the Secretary''
and inserting ``with the Administrator''.
(k) Use of National Private Sector Networks in Emergency
Response.--Section 519 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
321h) is amended by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting
``Administrator''.
(l) Public Health Service Act.--
(1) Procurement of security countermeasures for strategic
national stockpile.--Section 319F-2 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-6b) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``and in
coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security
(referred to in this section as the `Homeland Security
Secretary')'' and inserting ``and in coordination with
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (referred to in this section as the
`Administrator')''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``Homeland Security
Secretary'' each place it appears and inserting
``Administrator''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)(C)--
(I) by striking ``Secretary of
Homeland Security'' and inserting
``Administrator''; and
(II) by inserting ``, the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure,''
after ``Energy and Commerce''.
(2) Improving state and local public health security.--
Section 319C-1(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d-3a(f)) is amended--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Homeland
Security'' and inserting ``Federal Emergency Management
Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``Secretary of Homeland Security''
and inserting ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency''.
(3) Partnerships for state and regional hospital
preparedness to improve surge capacity.--Section 319C-
2(d)(2)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-
3b(d)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting ``and the Administrator of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency'' after ``Homeland
Security''.
(4) Facilities and capacities of the centers for disease
control and prevention.--Section 319D(c)(2)(B) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-4(c)(2)(B)) is amended by
inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency,'' after ``Homeland Security,''.
(5) Emergency system for advance registration of volunteer
health professional.--Section 319I(f) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-7b(f)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Secretary of Homeland Security''
and inserting ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``Department of Homeland Security''
and inserting ``Federal Emergency Management Agency''.
(m) Guidance and Recommendations.--Section 523 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321l) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``the Administrator and
the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency, in consultation with the private sector'' and inserting
``the Administrator, in consultation with the Director of the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the
private sector''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``Secretary'' and
inserting ``Administrator''.
(n) Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and
Certification Program.--Section 524 of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 321m) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraphs (1) through
(3) and inserting the following: ``The Administrator shall
establish and implement the voluntary private sector
preparedness accreditation and certification program in
accordance with this section.''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``designated officer''
each place it appears and inserting ``Administrator''.
(o) Acceptance of Gifts.--Section 525 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321n) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Secretary'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Administrator'';
(2) in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) by striking
``Department'' and inserting ``Agency''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and'' after ``submit to''.
(p) National Planning and Education.--Section 527 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321p) is amended by striking
``Secretary'' and inserting ``Administrator, in consultation with the
Secretary,''.
(q) Coordination of Department of Homeland Security Efforts Related
to Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense Against Terrorism.--
Section 528(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321q(c))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``Agriculture or'' and inserting
``Agriculture,''; and
(2) by inserting ``,or the Administrator'' before the
period at the end.
(r) Continuity of the Economy Plan.--Section 9603 of division A of
the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (6 U.S.C. 622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (H) and (I) as
subparagraphs (I) and (J); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
following:
``(H) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency;''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (S) and (T) as
subparagraphs (T) and (U); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (R) the
following:
``(S) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;''.
(s) Joint Task Forces.--Section 708(b)(2)(B) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 348(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by striking ``including section
504(a)(3)(A),''; and
(B) in subclause (II) by striking ``paragraphs (3)
and (4)(A) of section 503(c) and section 509(c) of this
Act,'' and inserting ``the FEMA Act of 2025''; and
(2) in clause (ii) by striking ``, including'' and all that
follows through ``section 506''.
TITLE III--RELATED MATTERS
SEC. 31. CHANGES TO ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the President shall amend Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5,
Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8, Presidential Policy
Directive-8, and any other similar administrative document to reflect
the changes made by this division and the amendments made by this
division.
SEC. 32. RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION.
(a) In General.--After consultation with Congress, the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall prepare
recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming
amendments to reflect the changes made by this division.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the last
day of the transition period referred to in section 15(e), the
Administrator shall submit to Congress a report containing the
recommended legislation.
DIVISION B--FEMA REFORMS
TITLE I--PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REFORMS
SEC. 101. REBUILDING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) In General.--Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 408 the following:
``SEC. 409. EXPEDITED REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED
FACILITIES.
``(a) Grants for Repair, Restoration, Reconstruction, or
Replacement of a Public Facility.--
``(1) In general.--The President may make grants--
``(A) to a State or local government for the
repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of
a public facility damaged or destroyed by a major
disaster; and
``(B) subject to paragraph (2), to a person that
owns or operates a private nonprofit facility damaged
or destroyed by a major disaster for the repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the
facility.
``(2) Conditions for assistance to private nonprofit
facilities.--
``(A) In general.--The President may make grants to
a private nonprofit facility under paragraph (1)(B)
only if--
``(i) the facility provides critical
services (as defined by the President) in the
event of a major disaster; or
``(ii) the owner or operator of the
facility--
``(I) has applied for a disaster
loan under section 7(b) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)); and
``(II)(aa) has been determined to
be ineligible for such a loan; or
``(bb) has obtained such a loan in
the maximum amount for which the Small
Business Administration determines the
facility is eligible.
``(B) Religious facilities.--A church, synagogue,
mosque, temple, or other house of worship, educational
facility, or any other private nonprofit facility shall
be eligible for grants under paragraph (1)(B), without
regard to the religious character of the facility or
the primary religious use of the facility. No house of
worship, educational facility, or any other private
nonprofit facility may be excluded from receiving
grants under paragraph (1)(B) because leadership or
membership in the organization operating the house of
worship is limited to persons who share a religious
faith or practice.
``(C) Definition of critical services.--In this
paragraph, the term `critical services' includes power,
water (including water provided by an irrigation
organization or facility), sewer, wastewater treatment,
communications (including broadcast and
telecommunications), education, food and emergency
supply distribution, and emergency medical care.
``(3) Notification to congress.--The President shall notify
the following committees not later than 30 days after making
any contribution under this section in an amount greater than
$20,000,000:
``(A) The Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
``(B) The Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
``(C) The Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate.
``(D) The Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives.
``(b) Grant Requirements.--
``(1) Use of grant funds.--Grant funds made to a State,
local government, or a person that owns or operates a private
nonprofit facility under this section may be used--
``(A) to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace
the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or
destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building
codes as of the time of repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating
mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for
the geographical area;
``(B) to repair, restore, incorporate mitigation
measures, or expand other selected public facilities;
``(C) to construct new facilities;
``(D) and combined to construct a consolidated
facility or facilities of a State, local government, or
owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility; or
``(E) to fund hazard mitigation measures that the
State or local government determines necessary to meet
a need for governmental services and functions in the
area affected by the major disaster.
``(2) Cost estimation.--
``(A) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant made
available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be
determined, without regard to preexisting condition,
based on the estimated cost to repair, restore,
reconstruct, or replace the public or private nonprofit
facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to
applicable building codes as of the time of repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement. Such cost
estimate shall--
``(i) be developed by an appropriately
licensed professional;
``(ii) include the cost of incorporating
mitigation measures consistent with disaster
risks for the geographical area;
``(iii) include associated expenses
including labor costs, management costs,
materials, and any other costs to repair,
restore, reconstruct, or replace the impacted
facility; and
``(iv) include the cost of developing such
estimate.
``(B) Presumption of accuracy.--The cost estimate
carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be presumed to
be accurate and reasonable unless there is evidence of
criminal fraud.
``(3) Submission.--Upon submission by the applicant of the
cost estimate carried out under paragraph (2), any review by
the Administrator shall be completed not later than 90 days
after the receipt of such estimate. In evaluating whether such
cost estimation is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator
may not consider preexisting condition and the evaluation shall
be conducted by an appropriately licensed professional with
familiarity with the relevant geographical location, including
market considerations and availability of labor and materials
for the applicable project. Unless there is evidence of
criminal fraud, such estimate shall be deemed to be approved
not later than 90 days after the submission of such estimate.
``(4) Availability of funds.--Not later than 30 days after
the approval of a cost estimate under this subsection, the
Administrator shall make the grant funds available to the
applicant.
``(5) One-time adjustment.--Not later than 2 years after
such approval, the State, local government, or person that owns
or operates a private nonprofit facility may submit a revised
cost estimate to account for changes in labor, material, or
other costs associated with fluctuations in the market. Upon
receipt of a revised cost estimate, the Administrator shall
review such revision in the same manner and with the same time
limitations as apply to the initial cost estimate.
``(6) Finality of approvals.--Upon approval of the grant or
one-time adjustment, notwithstanding any other provision of
law, including section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code,
unless there is evidence of criminal fraud, no legal or
administrative action with respect to such approval or
adjustment, as applicable, to recover any payment under this
section shall be initiated in any forum.
``(7) Special rule for large, complex projects.--
``(A) In general.--A State, local government, or
owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility may,
with the approval of the Administrator, designate a
large, complex infrastructure project as a phased
project.
``(B) Submission of cost estimates.--With respect
to projects designated under subparagraph (A), the
respective applicant may submit cost estimates for each
phase designated for such project.
``(C) Approvals.--The submissions for each phase
under subparagraph (B) shall be approved in the same
manner and with the same limitations as outlined in
paragraphs (3) through (5).
``(8) Deadline.--All cost estimates submitted under this
section shall be submitted not later than 5 years after the
date of the respective major disaster declaration under this
title, unless the 5-year period is extended by the President.
``(9) Progress reports.--
``(A) Reports.--A State, local government, or owner
or operator of a private nonprofit facility that
receives funding under this section shall, for each
major disaster declared for which funding was provided
under this section, submit an annual progress report to
the Administrator that includes--
``(i) a list with descriptions of projects
funded;
``(ii) a list and number of projects
permitted and commenced;
``(iii) a list of completed projects; and
``(iv) a list of remaining projects and the
status of such projects.
``(B) Public availability.--Upon receipt of a
report under this paragraph, the Administrator shall
make such report publicly available on the website of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(10) Inspector general review.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this section and annually
thereafter, the inspector general of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of
2025, shall conduct a review and submit to the committees
described in subsection (a)(3) a report containing--
``(A) a sampling of cost estimates approved in the
prior year and assess their reasonableness taking into
account labor, material, and market conditions in the
relevant locality at the time of the estimate;
``(B) information on whether the Administrator has
placed any overly burdensome requirements on the
applicant in the submission process, including whether
or not the Administrator has failed to accept
submissions based on nonsubstantive or technical
reasons; and
``(C) any evidence of criminal fraud and whether
there have been any referrals for further investigation
or prosecution.
``(11) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Applicable building codes.--The term
`applicable building codes' means the latest 2
published editions of relevant consensus-based codes,
specifications, and standards, including amendments
made by State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial
governments during the adoption process that
incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and
establish criteria for design, construction, and
maintenance for the relevant project.
``(B) Appropriately licensed professional.--The
term `appropriately licensed professional' means an
individual who is an engineer, architect, builder, cost
estimator, tradesperson, or similar professional (or
combinations thereof, as needed) that is licensed,
certified, or authorized to work in the relevant State
to perform the type of work related to producing a cost
estimate for the relevant project described under this
subsection.
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) Minimum federal share.--Except as provided in
paragraph (2), the Federal share of assistance under this
section shall be not less than 75 percent of the estimated cost
of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement carried
out under this section.
``(2) Reduced federal share.--The President may reduce the
Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than
65 percent through a sliding scale following an event
associated with a major disaster in which a State or Indian
tribal government has failed to implement appropriate
mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the
damage. Such mitigation measures shall include--
``(A) establishing and maintaining State-funded
mitigation programs dedicated to investment in State
and local mitigation projects for public and private
nonprofit facilities other than projects carried out
with Federal funds;
``(B) maintaining specified insurance on the
facilities subject to projects described under
subparagraph (A);
``(C) employing qualified State and local emergency
management and personnel; and
``(D) using non-Federal funding sources to complete
projects in the preapproved project mitigation plan
approved under section 322(f).
``(3) Increased federal share.--
``(A) Incentive measures.--The President may
provide incentives to a State or Tribal government to
invest in measures that increase readiness for, and
resilience from, a major disaster by recognizing such
investments through a sliding scale that increases the
minimum Federal share to 85 percent. Such measures
shall include--
``(i) establishing and maintaining a
dedicated disaster account;
``(ii) establishing and maintaining State
risk management programs with dedicated funding
for third-party insurance policies, captive
insurance, and actuarially sound self-insurance
risk pools that insure public facilities
against future disaster risk;
``(iii) establishing and maintaining other
disaster programs managed and funded by the
State, including disaster assistance to
individuals;
``(iv) facilitating participation in the
community rating system;
``(v) granting tax incentives for projects
that reduce risk;
``(vi) facilitating the adoption and
enforcement of 1 of the 2 latest editions of
relevant consensus-based codes, specifications,
and standards, including amendments made by
State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial
governments during the adoption process that
incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs
and establish criteria for the design,
construction, and maintenance of residential
structures and facilities that may be eligible
for assistance under this Act for purposes of
protecting the health, safety, and general
welfare of the buildings' users against
disasters;
``(vii) establishing robust floodplain
management standards;
``(viii) updating State risk assessments
with future projections;
``(ix) integrating hazard mitigation
planning into resource management plans; and
``(x) incorporating multi-beneficial
natural systems and nature-based solutions in
disaster resilience efforts.
``(B) Savings clause.--Nothing in this paragraph
prevents the President from increasing the Federal cost
share above 85 percent.
``(4) Considerations.--In making cost-share determinations
under this subsection, the President shall consider--
``(A) whether a county, or county equivalents,
impacted by a disaster has done significantly more to
implement the resilience measures listed in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2) and
clauses (i) through (x) of paragraph (3)(A); and
``(B) the total population and capacity of each
State to implement such measures.
``(5) Combined sources of funding.--
``(A) In general.--Grant funding received under
this section may be used in combination with other
Federal funding and private sector funding.
``(B) Conflicting standards.--In any case in which
a building code or mitigation standard is in conflict
across Federal agencies of a combined funding project
described in subparagraph (A), any codes or standards
promulgated by the President, through the
Administrator, pursuant to this Act shall be
applied.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Sunsets.--Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Options.--A State, local government, or owner or operator of
a private nonprofit facility eligible for assistance under this section
for a project for which an application has been submitted before the
date of enactment of this subsection may opt to receive a grant
pursuant to section 409 in lieu of contributions available under this
section.
``(g) Sunset.--
``(1) Limitation on applications.--No application may be
approved under this section if such application is submitted on
or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment
of this subsection.
``(2) Sunset of certain authorities.--The authorities under
subsections (a) through (c) and subsections (e) through (f) of
this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.''.
(2) Public assistance program alternative procedures.--
Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b) by striking ``406,'';
(B) in subsection (e)--
(i) by striking ``The alternative
procedures'' and all that follows through ``and
502(a)(5)--'' and inserting ``For debris
removal under sections 403(a)(3)(A), 407, and
502(a)(5), the President shall adopt
alternative procedures for--'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (F) as paragraphs (1) through (6),
respectively, and adjusting the margins
accordingly; and
(iii) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated,
by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively,
and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(C) by striking subsection (h).
(3) Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged
facilities.--
(A) Predisaster hazard mitigation.--Section 203(i)
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(i)) is amended by
inserting ``409,'' after ``408,'' each place it
appears.
(B) Insurance.--Section 311 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5154) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a)(1) by inserting ``or
409'' after ``section 406'';
(ii) in subsection (b) by inserting ``or
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(iii) in subsection (c) by striking
``section 406 or 422'' and inserting ``section
406, 409, or 422'' each place it appears.
(C) Management costs.--Section 324(b)(2)(B) of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)(B)) is amended by
inserting ``409,'' after ``407,''.
(D) Specified insurance.--Section 406(d) of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(d)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking
``available under this section'' and inserting
``available under this section or section
409''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking ``under
this section'' and inserting ``under this
section or section 409''.
(E) Simplified procedure.--Section 422(a) of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189(a)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(ii) in the matter following paragraph (3)
by striking ``407, or 502'' and inserting
``407, 409, or 502''.
(F) Agency accountability.--Section 430 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189h) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(ii) in subsection (e)(1) by inserting
``409,'' after ``407,''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(d) Regulations.--
(1) Application.--Any regulations or policies in effect on
the date of enactment of this Act related to Public Assistance
or related assistance that conflict or are inconsistent with
this section, including subsections (i), (k), and (l) of
section 206.201 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, and
section 206.202 of such title shall not apply to section 409 of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act, as added by this section.
(2) Notification.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall notify the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate of any regulations in effect
on the date of enactment of this Act that the Administrator
intends to apply to such section 409. Such notification shall
include a justification and specify the ambiguity the
regulation is intended to clarify.
(3) Policies.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate any written policies and
procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that
the Administration intends to apply to carry out this section.
SEC. 102. TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS BACKLOG OF OPEN DECLARED DISASTERS.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall establish a declared disasters task force (in
this section referred to as the ``Task Force'') to develop processes
and mechanisms necessary for the Administrator to eliminate the current
backlog of open declared disasters.
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force established under
subsection (a) shall include the following members:
(A) The Administrator, who shall serve as the chair
of the Task Force.
(B) The Associate Administrator within the Office
of Response and Recovery.
(C) The Regional Administrator for Region 4.
(D) The Regional Administrator for Region 6.
(E) The Regional Administrator for Region 9.
(F) The Division Director for Public Assistance
within the Office of Response and Recovery.
(G) Any other subject matter expert who is employed
by the Agency, as the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(2) Detailees.--Members of the Task Force may detail
employees who are employed by the Agency to assist the
Administrator in fulfilling the duties of the Task Force.
(c) Duties.--The Task Force established under subsection (a)
shall--
(1) establish a temporary office within the Agency to
address open declared disasters;
(2) identify the barriers the Agency has experienced in
closing out the backlog;
(3) examine any challenges in reducing the number of open
declared disasters that are caused by carrying out the program
under section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135);
(4) make recommendations on how to expedite the appeals of
assistance denial process under section 423 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5189a);
(5) identify any barriers preventing the closeout of the
excessive backlog; and
(6) coordinate efforts with any processes implemented by
Agency to address the number of open declared disasters,
including the Backlog Administrative Closeout Process as
outlined in the Public Assistance Backlog Strategy
Implementation Guidance adopted June 2024.
(d) Completion of Task Force Activities.--
(1) Submission of results.--Not later than 1 year after the
establishment of the Task Force under subsection (a), the Task
Force shall submit to the Administrator the results of the
activities carried out under subsection (c).
(2) Sunset.--The Task Force established under this section
shall be terminated upon submission of the results pursuant to
paragraph (1).
(e) Briefings.--
(1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief
the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the
Agency's progress in reducing the backlog and any other
activities of the Task Force.
(2) Semiannual briefings.--The Administrator shall provide
semiannual briefings to the appropriate congressional
committees until the Agency closes out 800 declared disasters
in its backlog.
(3) Yearly.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter so long as any
excessive open declared disasters remain, the Administrator
shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a
briefing on the Agency's closeout of its excessive backlog.
Such briefing may be conducted concurrently with a semiannual
briefing under paragraph (2).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
(C) the Committees on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives and the Senate.
(2) Backlog.--The term ``backlog'' means, with respect to a
declared disaster--
(A) the period of performance for the declared
disaster has concluded; and
(B) products and services carried out by the Agency
remain to be delivered.
(3) Declared disasters.--The term ``declared disasters''
means--
(A) any major disaster declared under section 401
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), including any grant
program relating to such a major disaster;
(B) any emergency declared under section 501 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), including any grant
program relating to such an emergency; and
(C) any assistance provided for fire management
under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187),
including any grant program relating to such fire
management.
(4) Excessive backlog.--The term ``excessive backlog''
means any declared disaster that--
(A) is an open declared disaster; and
(B) the declaration of which occurred not earlier
than 10 years ago.
(g) Closeout Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall direct each
Regional Administrator to close out a declared disaster in the
backlog or the excessive backlog, and disperse the remaining
fund balances, as soon as is practicable after the date on
which 90 percent of the costs expended for all approved
projects or awards relating to such declared disasters are
validated.
(2) Agreements.--A closeout described under paragraph (1)
shall include reaching an agreement for projects or awards that
are in active litigation, as the Administrator considers
appropriate.
(3) Cost estimates.--The Administrator shall close out a
declared disaster described in paragraph (1), notwithstanding
section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, based on cost
estimates.
(h) GAO Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct
a review and submit a report to Congress evaluating--
(1) the effectiveness of the activities of the Task Force
described in subsection (c); and
(2) the progress of the Administrator in reducing the
excessive backlog.
SEC. 103. DISASTER DECLARATION DAMAGE THRESHOLDS.
(a) In General.--In making recommendations to the President
regarding the eligibility of a State impacted by a major disaster
declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency shall use as a factor for
consideration whether the impacted counties, or subdivision therein, in
such State meet the definition of an economically distressed community
under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a
rural area under section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(b) Additional Authorization.--In all cases where assistance under
section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, as added by this Act, is authorized for a county, or a
subdivision therein, that meets the definition of an economically
distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of
Federal Regulations, or a rural area under section 343(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)), the
President shall provide assistance under section 408 of such Act.
(c) Revisions to Guidance, Policies, and Regulations.--The
Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any
policies, guidance, or regulations of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to implement subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
constrain the authority of the President to make a determination of
eligibility for assistance under section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as added by this Act.
SEC. 104. FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT.
Section 316 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5159) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 316. FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Protection of environment.--An action which is taken
or assistance which is provided pursuant to section 402, 403,
406, 407, 409, or 502 shall not be deemed a major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment within the meaning of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the action has
the effect of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or
replacing a facility that is damaged by a declared emergency or
major disaster pursuant to section 401 or 501 to applicable
building codes at the time of repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating
mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the
geographic area, provided that facility improvements and
mitigation activities occur in the same location of the
original facility.
``(2) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this section
shall alter or affect the applicability of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to
other Federal actions taken under this Act or under any other
provisions of law.
``(b) Exemptions and Expedited Procedures.--
``(1) Stormwater discharge permits.--A general permit for
stormwater discharges from construction activities, if
available, issued by the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency or the director of a State program under
section 402(p) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1242(p)), as applicable, shall apply to repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection
(a), on submission of a notice of intent to be subject to the
permit.
``(2) Emergency procedures.--The emergency procedures for
issuing permits in accordance with section 325.2(e)(4) of title
33, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection
(a), and such repair, restoration, reconstruction, or
replacement shall be considered an emergency under such
section.
``(3) National historic preservation act exemption.--
Repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under
subsection (a) shall be eligible for a waiver from the
requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
pursuant to part 78 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(4) Endangered species act exemption.--An exemption from
the requirements of section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)) shall apply to repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a) and, if the
President makes the determination required under section 7(p)
of such Act, the determinations required under subsections (g)
and (h) of such section shall be deemed to be made.
``(5) Expedited consultation under endangered species
act.--Expedited consultation pursuant to section 402.05 of
title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection
(a).
``(6) Other exemptions.--Any repair, restoration,
reconstruction, or replacement that is exempt under paragraph
(5) shall also be exempt from requirements under--
``(A) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703
et seq.);
``(B) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
1271 et seq.); and
``(C) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16
U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
``(c) State-Managed Review Process.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (a), (b), and
(d), with the written agreement of the Administrator and a
State, which may be in the form of a memorandum of
understanding, the Administrator may assign, and the State may
assume, the responsibilities of the Administrator with respect
to 1 or more disaster recovery projects within the State under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54
U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), so long as--
``(A) the State shall assume responsibilities under
this section subject to the same procedural and
substantive requirements that would apply if such
responsibilities were carried out by the Administrator,
including the exemptions and expedited procedures under
subsection (b);
``(B) any responsibility of the Administrator not
explicitly assumed by the State under such agreement
shall remain the responsibility of the Administrator;
``(C) nothing in such agreement preempts or
interferes with any power, jurisdiction,
responsibility, or authority of an agency, other than
the Administrator, under applicable law (including
regulations), with respect to a project;
``(D) the Administrator shall not require a State,
as a condition of participation in the program, to
forego project delivery methods that are otherwise
permissible for projects; and
``(E) a State assuming the responsibilities of the
Administrator under this section for a specific project
may use funds for attorney's fees directly attributable
to eligible activities associated with the project for
an increase in management costs.
``(2) Assumption of responsibility.--If a State assumes
responsibility under paragraph (1)--
``(A) the Administrator may assign to such State,
and such State may assume, all or part of the
responsibilities of the Administrator for environmental
review, consultation, or other action required under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.),
pertaining to the review or approval of a specific
project; and
``(B) at the request of such State, the
Administrator may also assign to such State, and such
State may assume, the responsibilities of the
Administrator with respect to 1 or more disaster
recovery projects within the State under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.).
``(3) Rulemaking authority.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the
Administrator shall promulgate regulations that establish
requirements relating to information required to be contained
in any request of a State to enter into a written agreement
under paragraph (1), including, at a minimum--
``(A) a description of the projects or classes of
projects for which the State anticipates exercising the
authority under this subsection;
``(B) verification of the financial and personnel
resources necessary to carry out such authority;
``(C) a demonstration of compliance with any
applicable public notice law of the State, including
copies of comments received from a solicitation carried
out pursuant to any such law; and
``(D) a demonstration of compliance with applicable
Federal environmental and historic preservation law.
``(4) Written agreement.--A written agreement under this
section shall--
``(A) be executed by the Governor of the respective
State;
``(B) provide that the State--
``(i) agrees to presume all or part of the
responsibilities of the Administrator described
in paragraph (1);
``(ii) expressly consents, on behalf of the
State, to accept the jurisdiction of the
Federal courts for the compliance, discharge,
and enforcement of any responsibility of the
Administrator assumed by the State; and
``(iii) certifies that State laws
(including regulations) are in effect that--
``(I) authorize the State to take
the actions necessary to carry out the
responsibilities being assumed under
such agreement; and
``(II) are comparable to section
552 of title 5, United States Code,
including providing that any decision
regarding the public availability of a
document under such State laws is
reviewable by a court of competent
jurisdiction; and
``(III) agree to maintain the
financial resources necessary to carry
out the responsibilities being assumed;
``(C) require the State to provide to the
Administrator any information the Administrator
reasonably considers necessary to ensure that the State
is adequately carrying out the responsibilities
assigned to the State under such agreement;
``(D) have a term of not more than 5 years; and
``(E) be renewable.
``(5) Jurisdiction.--
``(A) In general.--The United States district
courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any civil
action against a State for failure to carry out any
responsibility of the State under this section.
``(B) Legal standards and requirements.--A civil
action under paragraph (1) shall be governed by the
legal standards and requirements that would apply in
such a civil action against the Administrator had the
Administrator taken the actions in question.
``(C) Intervention.--The Administrator shall have
the right to intervene in any action described in
paragraph (1).
``(6) Liability.--A State that assumes responsibility under
paragraph (2) shall be solely responsible and solely liable for
carrying out, in lieu of and without further approval of the
Administrator, the responsibilities under such paragraph, until
the participation of the State is terminated under paragraph
(8).
``(7) Limitation on agreements.--Nothing in this section
permits a State to assume any rulemaking authority of the
Administrator under any Federal law.
``(8) Termination.--
``(A) Termination by administrator.--The
Administrator may only terminate the participation of
any State under this subsection if--
``(i) the Administrator determines that the
State is not adequately carrying out the
responsibilities assigned to the State in a
written agreement under this subsection;
``(ii) the Administrator provides to the
State--
``(I) a notification of a
determination of noncompliance;
``(II) a period of not less than
120 days to take such corrective action
as the Administrator determines to be
necessary to comply with the applicable
agreement; and
``(III) on request of the Governor,
a detailed description of each
responsibility in need of corrective
action regarding an inadequacy
identified under this subparagraph; and
``(iii) the State, after the notification
and period provided under clause (ii), fails to
take satisfactory corrective action, as
determined by the Administrator.
``(B) Termination by state.--A State may terminate
the participation of the State in the program at any
time by providing to the Administrator a notice by not
later than the date that is 90 days before the date of
termination, and subject to such terms and conditions
as the Administrator may provide.
``(9) Audits.--To ensure compliance by a State with any
agreement of the State under this subsection (including
compliance by the State with all Federal laws for which
responsibility is assumed under paragraph (2)), for each State
participating in an agreement under this subsection, the
inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of 2025, shall--
``(A) meet with the State not later than 180 days
after signing an agreement to review how the agreement
is being implement and plan the first annual audit,
including consulting with the State on the selection of
the audit team members;
``(B) conduct an annual audit for each year the
State is participating in an agreement under this
subsection;
``(C) in the case of an agreement with a duration
of more than 5 years, conduct a comprehensive audit
covering the first 5 years of such agreement;
``(D) complete each audit within 180 days,
including time for public comment and responses;
``(E) make all audits available to the public for
comment; and
``(F) respond to public comments not later than 60
days after the last day of the comment period.
``(10) Monitoring.--After a State has been participating in
an agreement under this subsection for 4 years, the
Administrator shall continue to monitor the compliance of such
State with the agreement, including whether the State is
providing enough funding to meet the obligations of such
agreement.
``(11) Report to congress.--The Administrator shall submit
to Congress an annual report that describes the administration
of this subsection.
``(12) Relationship to locally administered projects.--A
State assuming authority under a written agreement under this
subsection may, as appropriate and at the request of a local
government--
``(A) exercise such authority on behalf of the
local government for a locally administered project; or
``(B) provide guidance and training on
consolidating and minimizing the documentation and
environmental analyses necessary for sponsors of a
locally administered project to comply with the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) and any comparable requirements under
State law.
``(13) Agency deemed to be federal agency.--A State agency
assuming responsibility under an agreement under this
subsection shall be deemed to be an agency for the purposes of
section 2412 of title 28, United States Code.
``(d) Definition of Applicable Building Codes.--In this section,
the term `applicable building codes' has the meaning given the term in
section 409(b)(11).
``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall alter or
affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to other Federal actions taken under this
Act or under any other provisions of law.''.
SEC. 105. UNIFIED FEDERAL REVIEW.
Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by striking section
429 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 429. COORDINATION OF REQUIRED FEDERAL REVIEWS.
``(a) In General.--In order to expedite disaster recovery, the
Administrator shall establish a unified interagency review process to
ensure compliance with environmental and historical requirements under
Federal law, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), relating to projects carried out
through assistance provided under this Act, consistent with applicable
law.
``(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and in consultation with the Council
on Environmental Quality and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the Administrator shall--
``(1) formulate and implement administrative, procedural,
and policy mechanisms to enable the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to act as the lead agency ensuring completion
of the environmental and historical review process for projects
in a timely, coordinated, and responsible manner;
``(2) carry out the obligations of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency with respect to a project under any other
applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction with, other
environmental and historical reviews and authorizations being
conducted by other cooperating and participating agencies, with
the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the lead agency; and
``(3) in the case in which an environmental impact
statement is required for a project, prepare one document under
section 107(b) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)) for such project unless the lead agency
provides justification in the coordinated project plan that
multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project
review and authorization.
``(c) Considerations.--
``(1) In general.--As early as practicable during an
environmental and historical review, but not later than the
commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation
of an environmental impact statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the
lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies to determine
the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a
project.
``(2) Cooperation.--The lead agency and each cooperating
and participating agency shall work cooperatively to identify
and resolve issues that could delay completion of an
environmental and historical review or authorization required
for the project under applicable law or result in the denial of
any approval under applicable law, including--
``(A) the need for mitigation actions justified by
the risk of natural hazards that are consistent with
the geographic area in which the major disaster
occurred; and
``(B) compliance challenges that may arise as a
result of the ongoing recovery from a major disaster.
``(3) Range of alternatives.--The lead agency shall
determine the range of reasonable alternatives for
consideration in any document that the lead agency is
responsible for preparing in the environmental and historical
review for the project.
``(4) Methodologies.--The lead agency shall determine, in
collaboration with each cooperating and participating agency at
appropriate times during the review, the methodologies to be
used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each
alternative determined under paragraph (3) for a project.
``(5) Responsibilities.--
``(A) Lead agency.--The lead agency (as such term
is defined in section 111 of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) shall make
information available to each cooperating and
participating agency and State as early as practicable
in the environmental and historical review regarding
the environmental, historic, and socioeconomic
resources located within the project area and the
general locations of the alternatives determined under
paragraph (3) under consideration.
``(B) Cooperating and participating agencies.--As
early as practicable during an environmental and
historical review, cooperating and participating
agencies (as such terms are defined in section 111 of
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4336e)) shall identify any issues of concern
regarding any potential environmental or historical
impacts of the project, including any issues that could
substantially delay or prevent an agency from
completing any environmental or historical review or
authorization required for the project, and communicate
any issues to the State.
``(6) Public comment.--The lead agency shall establish a
comment period of not less than 45 days and not more than 60
days after the date on which a notice announcing availability
of the environmental impact statement is published in the
Federal Register to solicit comments from an agency or the
public on a draft environmental impact statement, unless--
``(A) the lead agency, the State, and any
cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
``(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each
cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good
cause.
``(7) Record of decision.--Not later than 90 days after the
date on which a final environmental impact statement is issued,
Federal agencies shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
issue a record of decision for such environmental impact
statement.
``(8) Categories of projects.--The authorities granted
under this section may be exercised for an individual project
or a category of projects.
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect the applicability of section 316 to projects
eligible under such section.''.
SEC. 106. BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS.
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VIII--BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS
``SEC. 801. BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS.
``(a) In General.--The Governor of a State or the governing body of
an Indian tribal government for the area in which a covered small
disaster occurs may request a lump sum payment of the estimated damages
calculated under subsection (b) for such disaster in lieu of any
assistance under the Public Assistance Program for such disaster.
``(b) Calculation.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section
206.47(b) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, a payment under
subsection (a) shall be equal to the amount that is 80 percent of the
total estimated cost of the Federal share under the Public Assistance
Program for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the
State or Indian tribal government requesting such payment.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--A State or Indian tribal government
receiving a payment under this section may not receive
assistance under the Public Assistance Program with respect to
the covered small disaster for which a payment was accepted
under this section.
``(2) Final payment.--
``(A) In general.--A payment under this section may
not be increased or decreased based on actual costs
calculated for a covered small disaster.
``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
the Administrator may adjust a payment under this
section in the event of unforeseen circumstances at no
fault of the applicant.
``(3) Selection of option.--A State or Indian tribal
government may designate to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency on an annual basis the interest of such State or Indian
tribal government in participating in the small disaster
authority.
``(4) Indication.--A State or Indian tribal government
shall indicate at the time of the submission of a request for a
major disaster declaration that such State or Indian tribal
government is requesting assistance for such incident under
this section.
``(5) Timing requirement.--The Administrator and the State
or Indian tribal government shall--
``(A) reach an agreement on the amount under
subsection (b) not later than 90 days after the
incident; or
``(B) administer the incident under the procedures
and authorities for the Public Assistance Program.
``(6) Administrative plan.--To be eligible for assistance
under this section, a State or Indian tribal government shall
have an administrative plan approved by the Administrator in
place at the time of the obligation of funds provided under
this section.
``(d) Approval of Funds.--The Administrator shall approve funding
for eligible disasters not later than 90 days after a receipt of a
complete application, including all required cost estimates and
supporting documentation, from the applicant. In evaluating whether
such cost estimate is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator may
not consider preexisting condition.
``(e) Availability of Funds.--Not later than 30 days after the
approval of an application under this section, the Administrator shall
make the grant funds available to the applicant.
``(f) Use of Funds.--A State or Indian tribal government receiving
a payment under this section may use such payment for recovery for the
covered small disaster in any manner determined appropriate by the
respective Governor or governing body of such State or Indian tribal
government if such funds--
``(1) address impacts and needs resulting from the declared
disaster incident;
``(2) are provided to State, Indian tribal government,
territorial and local government agencies, and private
nonprofit entities eligible for Public Assistance Program
funding; and
``(3) are used in a manner that complies with applicable
environmental, historic preservation, and civil rights laws
(including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act
of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.)) and any applicable
resiliency standards under section 203.
``(g) Compliance With Other Laws and Regulations.--A State or
Indian tribal government shall be responsible for ensuring compliance
under subsection (f)(3).
``(h) Report to FEMA.--A State or governing body of an Indian
tribal government shall submit to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency an annual report of expenses for a covered small disaster in the
area of jurisdiction of the respective State or Indian tribal
government.
``(i) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to--
``(1) affect the eligibility of a State or Indian tribal
government for assistance under section 404; or
``(2) affect any program in title IV or V that is not a
Public Assistance Program.
``(j) Inspector General Review.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and annually thereafter, the
inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
established in section 14 of such Act shall conduct a review and submit
to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a
report containing--
``(1) information on the number of States and Indian tribal
governments that--
``(A) have designated to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency interest in participating in the
small disaster authority under subsection (c)(3); and
``(B) have requested assistance under this section;
``(2) a sampling of the reports submitted to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency under subsection (h) and an
assessment, based on such reports, on whether funds provided
under this section for recovery from covered small disasters
have been used to address impacts and needs resulting from such
disasters; and
``(3) any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have
been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution.
``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered small disaster.--The term `covered small
disaster' means a major disaster declared under section 401 or
an emergency declared under section 501 with estimated damage
eligible under the Public Assistance Program of less than or
equal to 125 percent of the State's per capita indicator.
``(2) Public assistance program.--The term `Public
Assistance Program' means the programs under sections 403, 406,
407, 409, and 502.''.
SEC. 107. COMMON SENSE DEBRIS REMOVAL.
(a) In General.--Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5173) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``, whenever he
determines it to be in the public interest,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Prohibition on Additional Requirements.--Except as required
under subsection (b), the President may not impose any additional
requirements for authorizing the removal of debris and wreckage on
publicly and privately owned lands and waters, or for making grants for
the purpose of such removal, under this section.''.
(b) Guidance.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall revise any guidance or regulations as necessary
to reflect the amendments made by this section.
(c) Best Practices.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
certain types of payment structures for debris removal service
contracts create challenges for effective oversight, and
disincentivize effective clean-up, and increases costs.
(2) Effective contracts.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(A) complete a review of contracting for debris
removal services; and
(B) develop best practices for such contracts that
ensure effective debris removal, speed, and appropriate
accountability of costs and oversight of performance.
SEC. 108. DISASTER MANAGEMENT COSTS MODERNIZATION.
(a) In General.--Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting the
margins accordingly; and
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so
redesignated, by striking ``provide the following
percentage rates'' and inserting ``provide
``(A) excess funds for management costs as
described in subsection (c); and
``(B) the following percentage rates'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Use of Excess Funds for Management Costs.--
``(1) Definition of excess funds for management costs.--In
this subsection, the term `excess funds for management costs'
means the difference between--
``(A) the amount of the applicable specific
management costs authorized under subsection (b)(1) and
subsection (b)(2)(B); and
``(B) as of the date on which the grant award is
closed, the amount of funding for management costs
activities expended by the grantee or subgrantee
receiving the financial assistance for costs described
in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Availability of excess funds for management costs.--
The President may make available to a grantee or subgrantee
receiving financial assistance under section 403, 404, 406,
407, 409, or 502 any excess funds for management costs.
``(3) Use of funds.--Excess funds for management costs made
available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) may be
used for--
``(A) activities associated with building capacity
to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts
of a major disaster or emergency declared under section
401 or 501, respectively; and
``(B) management costs associated with any--
``(i) major disaster;
``(ii) emergency;
``(iii) disaster preparedness measure; or
``(iv) mitigation activity or measure
authorized under section 203, 204, 205, or 404.
``(4) Availability.--Excess funds for management costs made
available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) shall
remain available to the grantee or subgrantee until the date
that is 5 years after the date on which the excess funds for
management costs are made available under paragraph (2).''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to any grant award in relation to a major disaster
or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170, 5191)--
(1) the declaration of which is made on or after the date
of enactment of this Act; and
(2) that is funded with amounts appropriated on or after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) No Additional Funds.--No additional funds are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
SEC. 109. STREAMLINING AND CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION COLLECTION AND
PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 1223 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act
of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1223. STUDY TO STREAMLINE AND CONSOLIDATE INFORMATION COLLECTION
AND PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.
``(a) Information Collection.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in
coordination with the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the
Disaster Assistance Working Group of the Council of the Inspectors
General on Integrity and Efficiency, and other appropriate agencies,
shall--
``(1) conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with
law, under which the collection of information from disaster
assistance applicants and grantees will be modified,
streamlined, expedited, efficient, flexible, consolidated, and
simplified to be less burdensome, duplicative, and time-
consuming for applicants and grantees; and
``(2) develop a plan for the regular collection and
reporting of information on Federal disaster assistance
awarded, including the establishment and maintenance of a
website for presenting the information to the public.
``(b) Preliminary Damage Assessments.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in
consultation with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity
and Efficiency, shall convene a working group on a regular basis with
the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator
of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Transportation,
the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and other
appropriate agencies as the Administrator considers necessary, to--
``(1) identify and describe the potential areas of
duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments
after disaster declarations;
``(2) determine the applicability of having one Federal
agency make the assessments for all agencies; and
``(3) identify potential emerging technologies, such as
unmanned aircraft systems, consistent with the requirements
established in the FEMA Accountability, Modernization and
Transparency Act of 2017 (42 U.S.C. 5121 note), to expedite the
administration of preliminary damage assessments.
``(c) Comprehensive Report.--The Administrator shall submit 1
comprehensive report that comprises the plans developed under
subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) and a report of the findings of the
working group convened under subsection (b), which may include
recommendations, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
``(d) Public Availability.--The comprehensive report required under
subsection (c) shall be made available to the public and posted on the
website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency--
``(1) in precompressed, easily downloadable versions that
are made available in all appropriate formats; and
``(2) in machine-readable format, if applicable.
``(e) Sources of Information.--In preparing the comprehensive
report under subsection (c), the Administrator may use any publication,
database, or web-based resource, and any information compiled by any
government agency, nongovernmental organization, or other entity that
is made available.
``(f) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after submission of the
comprehensive report, the Administrator and a member of the Council of
the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall brief, upon
request, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the findings and any
recommendations made in the comprehensive report.
``(g) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the submission
of the comprehensive report under subsection (c), the Administrator
shall implement any recommendations contained in such report.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--The item relating to section 1223 in the
table of contents of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-254) is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 1223. Study to streamline and consolidate information collection
and preliminary damage assessments.''.
SEC. 110. REASONABLE INCIDENT PERIODS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall convene an advisory panel consisting of
emergency management personnel to assist the Agency in reviewing the
process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods
for all hazards for emergencies or major disasters declared under the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The advisory panel convened under
subsection (a) shall consist of at least 2 representatives from
national emergency management organizations, at least 2
relevant county officials, at least 1 representative from the
National Weather Service, and at least 5 representatives from
each of the 10 regions of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency selected from emergency management personnel employed by
State, local, territorial, or Tribal authorities within each
region.
(2) Inclusion on panel.--To the furthest extent
practicable, representation on the advisory panel shall include
emergency management personnel from rural, urban,
underrepresented, Tribal, and insular jurisdictions and
representatives of State or local governments with
responsibility for the financial or budgetary impact of
disasters.
(c) Considerations.--In reviewing the process and procedures
related to the determination of incident periods under subsection (a),
the advisory panel convened under such subsection shall consider the
effectiveness of incident periods, including--
(1) incident periods for slow onset disasters;
(2) incident periods for correlated noncontiguous
disasters;
(3) incident periods for compound disasters; and
(4) incident periods for cascading disasters.
(d) Interim Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress, and
make publicly available, a report regarding the findings of the review
under this section that includes any recommendations of the advisory
panel convened under subsection (a), including additional legislation
that may be necessary to address such findings.
(e) Final Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate a report discussing--
(1) a summary of the findings of the advisory panel
convened under subsection (a);
(2) the implementation of recommendations from such
advisory panel; and
(3) any additional legislative recommendations necessary to
improve the effectiveness of incident periods.
(f) Rulemaking.--Immediately following a 30-day congressional
review period of the report described in subsection (e), the
Administrator shall begin a rulemaking to issue such regulations as are
necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory panel.
SEC. 111. FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM POLICY.
Section 420(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and'';
(2) by striking ``local government for the mitigation'' and
inserting the following: ``local government for--
``(1) the mitigation''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) assessments and emergency stabilization to protect
public safety irrespective of the incident period for a
declared fire.''.
SEC. 112. INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENT ELIGIBILITY.
(a) In General.--Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, Indian tribal
government,'' before ``or local government'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as
subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Procedure for Request.--The Governor of a State or the Chief
Executive of an Indian tribal government affected by a fire described
in subsection (a) may directly submit a request to authorize assistance
under this section.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit an
Indian tribal government from receiving assistance under this section
pursuant to an authorization made at the request of a State under
subsection (b) if assistance is not authorized under this section for
the same incident based on a request by the Indian tribal government
under subsection (b).''.
(b) Regulations.--
(1) Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall issue regulations
updating part 204 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, to
carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(2) Contents.--In issuing the regulations required under
paragraph (1), the President shall--
(A) authorize the Federal Emergency Management
Agency to directly receive a request for a fire
management assistance declaration from an Indian Tribal
Government and directly provide related grants and
resources to Indian Tribal Governments;
(B) clarify that Indian Tribal Governments for
which the President does not grant a request described
in subparagraph (A) remain eligible to receive
assistance under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5187) through assistance granted under a fire
management assistance declaration made at the request
of a State;
(C) consider the unique conditions that affect the
general welfare of Indian Tribal governments; and
(D) enter into government-to-government
consultation with Indian Tribal Governments regarding
the regulations.
(3) Fire management assistance declaration defined.--In
this subsection, the term ``fire management assistance
declaration'' means a declaration approved under section
204.21(a) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 113. STRENGTHENING CLOSEOUTS FOR CRITICAL SERVICES.
Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``or owner or operator of a private
nonprofit facility'' after ``State or local government'' each
place it appears;
(2) by inserting ``or owner or operator of a private
nonprofit facility'' after ``Federal, State, or local
government'' each place it appears; and
(3) by inserting ``or owners or operators of private
nonprofit facilities'' after ``State, local, or Indian tribal
governments''.
SEC. 114. SHELTERING OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL.
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Sheltering of Emergency Response Personnel.--
``(1) In general.--For any major disaster for which the
President has authorized emergency protective measures for an
area within the jurisdiction of a State, Indian tribal, or
local government, the Administrator may reimburse the State,
Indian tribal, or local government for costs relating to
sheltering emergency response personnel, including individuals
that are a part of the same predisaster household as such
personnel, in exclusive-use congregate or noncongregate
settings if the Governor of the State or chief executive of the
Indian tribal or local government determines that the damage or
disruption to such area is of such a magnitude as to disrupt
the provision of emergency protective measures within such
area.
``(2) Limitation of assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator may only
reimburse a State, Indian tribal, or local government
for the costs of sheltering emergency response
personnel under paragraph (1) for such a period of time
as the Administrator determines reasonable based in the
individual characteristics of and impacts to the
affected area, including the extent of damage, the
availability of alternative housing options, the
availability of utilities, and disruptions to
transportation infrastructure.
``(B) Maximum duration of reimbursement.--The
period of reimbursement under subparagraph (A) may not
exceed the 6-month period beginning on the date on
which the incident period ends.
``(3) Definition of emergency response personnel.--In this
subsection, the term `emergency response personnel' means--
``(A) employees or contracted employees providing
law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, emergency
medical, emergency management, or emergency
communications services; and
``(B) elected officials, except Members of
Congress, responsible for the overseeing or directing
emergency response operations or recovery
activities.''.
SEC. 115. EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO FIGHT FLOODING DAMAGE.
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(f) Further Emergency Protective Measures.--
``(1) In general.--In cases in which an owner or operator
of a stormwater pumping station engages in flood fighting
activities during emergency protective measures or emergency
work authorized by this section, the President shall reimburse
such owner or operator in accordance with applicable equipment
rates regardless of whether or not such pumping stations
contain temporary or permanently mounted or affixed equipment.
``(2) Flood fighting activities defined.--In this
subsection, the term `flood fighting activities' includes
dewatering behind a levee by breaching or pumping.''.
SEC. 116. FAIRNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN APPEALS.
Section 423 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189a) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Attorney's Fees.--In cases in which the Board decides in
favor of the applicant or otherwise concludes there is an error on the
part of the Administrator in denial of assistance, the Administrator
shall reimburse the applicant for attorney's fees.''.
SEC. 117. EXPEDITED FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY WORK.
Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amending by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Disbursement.--Reimbursements provided under this section
shall be disbursed to the applicant not later than 120 days after the
applicant submits a request for reimbursement if the President
determines at least 90 percent of estimated costs are eligible for such
reimbursement.''.
SEC. 118. CONSISTENCY IN PROCUREMENT PRACTICES.
For the purposes of applying the procurement standards under part
200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations to assistance provided
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), local governments shall be treated as a
State or Tribal government under section 200.317 of title 2, Code of
Federal Regulations.
TITLE II--INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE REFORMS
SEC. 201. INFORMATION SHARING FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) Establishment of Unified Disaster Application System.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall establish and maintain a web-based
interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known
as the ``unified disaster application system'', to--
(A) facilitate the administration of the universal
application for direct Federal disaster assistance
established under section 202;
(B) carry out the purposes of disaster assistance
programs swiftly, efficiently, and in accordance with
applicable laws, regulations, and the privacy and data
protections provided under this section; and
(C) support the detection, prevention, and
investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination
in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
(2) Authorities of administrator.--In establishing and
maintaining the unified disaster application system under this
subsection, the Administrator may collect and maintain disaster
assistance information received from a disaster assistance
agency, a block grant recipient, or an applicant for a disaster
assistance program and share such information with any other
disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient using such
system.
(3) Requirements.--The Administrator shall ensure that the
unified disaster application system established and maintained
under this subsection--
(A) allows an applicant to receive status updates
on an application for disaster assistance programs
submitted though such system;
(B) allows for applicants to update disaster
assistance information throughout the recovery journeys
of such applicants in accordance with established
application timeframes;
(C) allows for the distribution to applicants of
information about additional recovery resources that
may be available in a disaster stricken area;
(D) provides an applicant with information and
documentation relating to an application for a disaster
assistance program submitted by such applicant; and
(E) contains any other capabilities determined
necessary by the head of a disaster assistance agency.
(b) Data Security.--The Administrator may facilitate the collection
of disaster assistance information into the unified disaster
application system established under subsection (a) only after the
following requirements have been met:
(1) The Administrator certifies that the unified disaster
application system substantially complies with the data
security standards and best practices established pursuant to
subchapter II of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code,
and any other applicable Federal information security policy.
(2) The Administrator publishes a privacy impact assessment
for the unified disaster application system, in accordance with
section 208(b)(1)(B) of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C.
3501 note).
(3) The Administrator, after consulting with disaster
assistance agencies, publishes standard rules of behavior for
disaster assistance agencies, block grant recipients, and
personnel granted access to disaster assistance information to
protect such information from improper disclosure.
(c) Collection and Sharing of Additional Records and Information.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize the
additional collection, maintenance, sharing, and use of
disaster assistance information by publishing a notice on the
unified disaster application system established under
subsection (a) that includes a detailed description of--
(A) the specific amendments to the collection,
maintenance, and sharing of disaster assistance
information authorized;
(B) why each such amendment to how disaster
assistance information is collected, maintained, or
shared is necessary to carry out the purposes of a
disaster assistance program and consistent with the
fair information practice principles; and
(C) the disaster assistance agencies and block
grant recipients that will be granted access to the
additional information to carry out the purposes of any
disaster assistance program.
(2) Notice and publication requirements.--The publication
of a notice under paragraph (1) of a revision to the unified
disaster application system of records prior to any new
collection, or uses, of Privacy Act categories of records, to
carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program with
regard to a disaster declared by the President under section
401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191), shall be
deemed to satisfy the notice and publication requirements of
section 552a(e)(4) of title 5, United States Code, for the
entire period of performance for any assistance provided under
a disaster assistance program.
(3) Waiver of information collection requirements.--
(A) In general.--Upon the declaration of a major
disaster or emergency pursuant to sections 401 or 501
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191) by the President,
the Administrator may waive the requirements of
subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States
Code, with respect to voluntary collection of
information for the entire period of performance for
any assistance provided under a disaster assistance
program.
(B) Transparency.--Upon exercising the waiver
authority under subparagraph (A), the Administrator
shall--
(i) promptly post on a website of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency a brief
justification for such waiver, the anticipated
period of time such waiver will be in effect,
and the disaster assistance offices within the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to which
such waiver shall apply; and
(ii) update the information relating to
such waiver, as applicable.
(4) GAO review of waiver of information collection
requirements.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall issue a report describing
the benefits and potential risks associated with
authorizing the waiver of the information collection
requirements described in paragraph (3).
(B) Contents.--The report required under
subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of the
extent to which a waiver described in paragraph (3)
would--
(i) affect the paperwork burden for
individuals, small businesses, State, local,
and Tribal governments, and other persons;
(ii) affect the consistent application of
Federal laws relating to--
(I) privacy and confidentiality;
(II) security of information; and
(III) access to information; and
(iii) encourage or deter a State or other
entity from participating in the voluntary
collection of information for the duration of a
major disaster or emergency.
(d) Use by Other Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator may permit a Federal
agency other than a disaster assistance agency listed in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (f)(3) to use the
unified disaster application system established under
subsection (a) for the purpose of facilitating disaster-related
assistance if such agency enters into an agreement containing
the terms described in paragraph (2).
(2) Agency agreement.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall contain the following terms:
(A) The Federal agency shall--
(i) collect, share, maintain, and use
disaster assistance information in compliance
with this section and any policies of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and any
information protection and use policies of such
Federal agency; and
(ii) train any personnel granted access to
disaster assistance information on the rules of
behavior established by the Administrator under
subsection (b)(3).
(B) In the event of any unauthorized disclosure of
disaster assistance information, the Federal agency
shall--
(i) notify the Administrator within 24
hours of discovering any such unauthorized
disclosure;
(ii) cooperate fully with the Administrator
in the investigation and remediation of any
such disclosure;
(iii) cooperate fully in the prosecution of
a person responsible for such disclosure; and
(iv) assume the responsibility for any
compensation, civil liability, or other
remediation measures, whether awarded by a
judgment of a court or agreed as a compromise
of any potential claims by or on behalf of an
applicant, including by obtaining credit
monitoring and remediation services, for an
improper disclosure that is--
(I) caused, directly or indirectly,
by the acts or omissions of officers,
employees, and contractors of the
agency; or
(II) from any electronic system of
records that is created or maintained
by the agency pursuant to section
552a(e) of title 5, United States Code.
(3) Publication of agency agreement.--The Administrator
shall publish an agency agreement entered into under this
subsection on the same website as the unified disaster
application system established under subsection (a).
(e) Rule of Construction.--The sharing and use of disaster
assistance information that is subject to the requirements of section
552a of title 5, United States Code, by disaster assistance agencies
and block grant recipients--
(1) shall not be--
(A) construed as a matching program for purposes of
section 552a(a)(8) of such title; or
(B) subject to the remaining computer matching
provisions of section 552a of such title; and
(2) shall be in addition to any other law providing for the
sharing or use of such information.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Applicant.--The term ``applicant'' means--
(A) a person who applies for disaster assistance
from a disaster assistance program; and
(B) a person on whose behalf a person described in
subparagraph (A) has applied for disaster assistance.
(2) Block grant recipient.--The term ``block grant
recipient'' means a State, local government, or Tribal
government that receives assistance through the disaster
assistance program described in paragraph (5)(B)(i).
(3) Disaster assistance agency.--The term ``disaster
assistance agency'' means--
(A) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(B) the Department of Housing and Urban
Development;
(C) the Small Business Administration;
(D) the Department of Agriculture; and
(E) any other Federal agency that the Administrator
permits to use the unified disaster application system
under subsection (d).
(4) Disaster assistance information.--The term ``disaster
assistance information'' includes any personal, demographic,
biographical, geographical, financial information, or other
information that a disaster assistance agency or block grant
recipient is authorized to collect, maintain, share, or use to
process an application for disaster assistance or otherwise
carry out a disaster assistance program.
(5) Disaster assistance program.--The term ``disaster
assistance program'' means--
(A) any program that provides assistance to
individuals and households under title IV or title V of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.); or
(B) any other assistance program carried out by a
disaster assistance agency that provides assistance to
an individual, household, or organization related to a
major disaster or emergency declared under section 401
or 501 of such Act, including--
(i) assistance for activities related to
disaster relief, long-term recovery,
restoration of infrastructure and housing,
economic revitalization, and mitigation that
are authorized under title I of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
5301 et seq.);
(ii) any loan that is authorized under
section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(b)); and
(iii) the distribution of food benefit
allotments as authorized under section 412 of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5179) and
section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 2014(h)).
SEC. 202. UNIVERSAL APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Universal Application.--The Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency shall develop and establish a universal
application for direct Federal disaster assistance for individuals in
areas impacted by emergencies or disasters.
(b) Consultation and Support.--
(1) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the
Administrator shall consult with the following:
(A) The Director of the Office of Management and
Budget.
(B) The Administrator of the Small Business
Administration.
(C) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(D) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) Support.--The entities described in paragraph (1) shall
provide prompt support to the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
(c) Survey.--The application established under subsection (a) shall
include a voluntary survey to collect the demographic data of an
applicant.
SEC. 203. CLARIFYING DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS.
(a) Authority.--Paragraph (4) of section 312(b) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5155(b)(4)), as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254)--
(1) is restored and revived; and
(2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Prohibition on income threshold.--In carrying
out this paragraph, no income threshold may be applied
to limit the eligibility of a recipient from qualifying
for a waiver under this paragraph.
``(E) Applicability.--This paragraph shall apply to
any major disaster or emergency declared by the
President under section 401 or 501, respectively, on or
after January 1, 2016.''.
(b) Statutory Construction.--Section 312(b)(4) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5155(b)(4)), as restored and revived by subsection (a), shall not be
construed to apply to section 406, 408, or 409 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
5172, 5174).
(c) Further Amendment.--Section 312(a) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(a)) is
amended by striking ``or any other source''.
SEC. 204. CRISIS COUNSELING AND ADDICTION IN DISASTERS.
(a) Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training.--Section 416 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5183) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``, substance use, or alcohol
use'' after ``private mental health''; and
(B) by inserting ``, substance use, and alcohol
use'' after ``relieve mental health''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ``, substance use, or
alcohol use'' before ``organization providing''.
(b) Report on Changes to Application.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Assistant
Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the Director for the
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and State alcohol and drug
agencies, shall review, adjust, and report to Congress any changes made
to the application for assistance under section 416 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183)
and to any other relevant guidance documents to reflect the amendments
made by this section.
(c) GAO Report to Congress.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a review of the assistance provided under the
crisis counseling assistance and training program established pursuant
to section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) and submit to Congress a report
describing--
(1) the duration of assistance provided to individuals
under such program; and
(2) the compliance of the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency with the requirement that such
assistance may only be used for mental health, substance use,
and alcohol use problems caused or aggravated by a major
disaster or its aftermath.
(d) Management Costs.--Section 324(b)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)) is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Individual assistance.--A grantee under
section 408(f) may be reimbursed not more than 12
percent of the total award amount under each such
section.
``(D) Crisis counseling assistance, training, and
case management services.--A grantee and subgrantee,
cumulatively, may be reimbursed not more than 15
percent of the total amount of the grant award under
either section 416 or 426.''.
(e) Administrative Costs.--Section 408(f)(1) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174),
is amended--
(1) by striking ``(A) Grant to state.--'' and all that
follows through ``subsection (g),'' and inserting ``Subject to
subsection (g)''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B).
SEC. 205. REPAIR AND REBUILDING.
(a) In General.--Section 408(b)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(b)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``rendered uninhabitable'' and inserting
``damaged by a major disaster''; and
(2) by striking ``uninhabitable, as a result of damage
caused by a major disaster'' and inserting ``damaged by a major
disaster''.
(b) Hazard Mitigation.--Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Hazard mitigation.--
``(A) In general.--The President may provide
financial assistance to individuals and households
whose primary residence, utilities, or residential
infrastructure are damaged by a major disaster, for
cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce
threats to life and property, or future damage to such
residence, utilities, or infrastructure in future
disasters.
``(B) Relationship to other assistance.--A
recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph
shall not be required to show that the assistance can
be met through other means, except insurance
proceeds.''; and
(2) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, financial
assistance for hazard mitigation under subsection
(c)(5)(A),'' after ``subsection (c)(1)(A)(i)'';
(B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``paragraphs (1)
and (2)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), and
(3)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Hazard mitigation.--The maximum financial assistance
any individual or household may receive under subsection (c)(5)
shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in paragraph (1)
with respect to a single major disaster.''.
SEC. 206. FEMA EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 403(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) minor repairs up to habitability of owner-
occupied homes damaged by the disaster in order for
survivors to safely shelter in place, subject to the
availability of appropriations.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Sheltering and housing options.--Not later than 15
days after a declaration of a major disaster, the Federal
coordinating officer shall identify all sheltering and housing
options available under this section or section 408 to a State
Governor, or the designated State coordinating officer.
``(6) Definition of minor repairs up to habitability.--In
this subsection, the term `minor repairs up to habitability'
means the minimum standards for permanent housing described in
section 576.403(c) of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations).''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall issue final regulations to implement the amendments made
by this section.
SEC. 207. DIRECT ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)) is further
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Repairs.--
``(A) Financial assistance for repairs.--The
President may provide financial assistance for the
repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities,
and residential infrastructure (such as a private
access route) damaged by a major disaster, or with
respect to individuals with disabilities, rendered
inaccessible by a major disaster.
``(B) Direct assistance for repairs.--
``(i) In general.--The President may
provide direct assistance to individuals and
households who are unable to make use of
financial assistance under subparagraph (A) and
when there is a lack of available resources,
for--
``(I) the repair of owner-occupied
private residences, utilities, and
residential infrastructure (such as a
private access route) damaged by a
major disaster, or with respect to
individuals with disabilities, rendered
inaccessible by a disaster; and
``(II) eligible hazard mitigation
measures that reduce the likelihood and
future damage to such residences,
utilities, and infrastructure.
``(ii) Eligibility.--A recipient of
assistance under this subparagraph shall not be
eligible for assistance under paragraph (1),
unless otherwise determined by the
Administrator.
``(C) Relationship to other assistance.--A
recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph
shall not be required to show that the assistance can
be met through other means, except insurance
proceeds.''.
(b) State Role.--Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is further
amended--
(1) by striking ``subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e)''
each place it appears and inserting ``paragraphs (1)(B),
(2)(B), and (4) of subsection (c) and subsection (e)''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(B),
(c)(4), or (e)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)(B), (2)(B), or
(4) of subsection (c) or subsection (e)''.
SEC. 208. ACCURATE INFORMATION TO DISASTER VICTIMS.
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall
issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that an applicant for
assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) that has indicated
ownership of an insurance policy for a home or facility damaged by a
major disaster declared under section 401 of such Act that is owned by
such applicant does not receive a notice that indicates a denial of
assistance before a final determination has been made regarding the
approval or denial of a claim under such policy.
SEC. 209. IMPROVED NOTICES FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE.
(a) Period of Assistance.--Clauses (iii) and (iv) of section
408(c)(1)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)) are amended by striking ``18-
month period'' and inserting ``24-month period''.
(b) Appeals.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall revise section 206.115 of title 44, Code of Federal
Regulations, to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
provide to any applicant who appeals a determination of eligibility of
assistance--
(1) any documentation used to make such determination,
including any inspection documents that exist;
(2) a description of--
(A) the reasons for such determination; and
(B) recommended steps that could be taken to remedy
a determination of ineligibility, including, as
applicable, a list of additional documentation that the
applicant may provide; and
(3) any inspection documents that exist not later than 10
days after the completion of the inspection.
(c) Applicability.--This section and the amendment made by this
section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 210. COMMON SENSE DISPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER VICTIMS.
Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(k) Duplication of Benefits.--
``(1) In general.--In determining eligibility for
displacement assistance under this section, the President may
not consider insurance a duplication of benefits for the
purpose of applying section 312 of this Act.
``(2) Displacement assistance defined.--In this section,
the term `displacement assistance' means assistance provided
under this section for food, water, first aid, personal hygiene
items, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, fuel for
transportation, emergency supplies and to stay in a hotel or
motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available
housing options.''.
SEC. 211. STATE-MANAGED HOUSING AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``A State'' and inserting
the following:
``(i) In general.--A State''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Transparency.--The President shall
make public the criteria used to evaluate
applications under clause (i) and determine if
a State or Indian tribal government meets the
criteria described in subparagraph (B) to
administer grants described in paragraph
(1)(A).'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (I) by striking ``; and''
and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subclause (II) by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) outline the approach of the
State to help disaster survivors create
a permanent housing plan; and
``(IV) outline the approach of the
State to provide individual disaster
survivors some choice of communities
and properties, as practicable.'';
(C) by striking subparagraph (F);
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (G), (H), (I),
and (J) as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), and (I),
respectively; and
(E) in subparagraph (I), as so redesignated--
(i) in clause (ii) by striking ``Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this paragraph, the'' and inserting ``The'';
and
(ii) in clause (iii) by striking ``2
years'' and inserting ``10 years''; and
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``paragraph (2)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Disaster assistance.--In the case of assistance
provided under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(2)(B), and (c)(4),
the Federal share shall be not less than 75 percent.''.
(b) GAO Assessment.--Upon the expiration of the authority to carry
out section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) as a pilot program, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a report on the
effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any pilot program carried
out pursuant to such section and make recommendations on how to improve
the provision of assistance under such section.
SEC. 212. IMPROVED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 408(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended
by inserting ``, including local postdisaster rent increases,'' after
``accommodation provided''.
SEC. 213. ONLINE GUIDES FOR POSTDISASTER ASSISTANCE.
(a) Use of Services of Other Agencies.--Section 201(a) of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5131(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) postdisaster assistance.''.
(b) Grants for Online Guides for Assistance.--Section 201 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5131) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Funding for Online Guides for Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency may provide funding to a State
agency established under subsection (c) to establish, update,
or operate a website to provide information relating to
postdisaster recovery funding and resources to a community or
an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.
``(2) Management.--A website created under this subsection
shall be--
``(A) managed by the State agency; and
``(B) suitable for the residents of the State of
the State agency.
``(3) Content.--The Administrator may provide funding to a
State agency under this subsection to establish a website that
contains only 1 or more of the following:
``(A) A list of Federal, State, and local sources
of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may
be available to a community after a major disaster or
emergency.
``(B) A list of Federal, State, and local sources
of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may
be available to an individual impacted by a major
disaster or emergency.
``(C) A technical guide that lists and explains the
costs and benefits of alternatives available to a
community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster
or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards such as
flooding after a wildfire.
``(4) Cooperation.--A State agency that receives funding
under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the
Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small
Business Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in developing a website under this
subsection.
``(5) Updates.--A State agency that receives funding to
establish a website under this subsection shall update the
website not less than once every 6 months.''.
SEC. 214. CLARIFYING SHELTERING ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY.
(a) Section 403.--Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Clarification of Sheltering Assistance Eligibility.--The
Administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed, physical
address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households
applying for non-congregate sheltering assistance under this section,
as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can
demonstrate, through alternative means as determined by the
Administrator, that such individual or household was residing within
the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which
assistance is being applied for through means, including shelter
records or an affidavit.''.
(b) Section 408.--Section 408(c)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Clarification of sheltering assistance
eligibility.--The Administrator shall not consider the
absence of a fixed, physical address as a disqualifying
factor for individuals or households applying for
assistance under this section, as long as the
individual or household applying for such assistance
can demonstrate, through alternative means as
determined by the Administrator, that such individual
or household was residing within the disaster-affected
area at the time of the disaster for which assistance
is being applied for through means, including shelter
records or an affidavit.''.
SEC. 215. ACCESS TO LIFESAVING NON-CONGREGATE SHELTERING.
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall
ensure individuals and households that qualify for non-congregate
sheltering assistance under section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) are not
required to provide a credit card or security deposit to access such
sheltering assistance.
SEC. 216. ASSISTANCE FOR TOTAL LOSS.
Section 408(c)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(3)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Total loss.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of a total
loss of an owner occupied residence, subject to
section 312, and notwithstanding subsection (h)
of such section, if the cost of direct
assistance under paragraph (1)(B) exceeds the
cost of replacement of such residence, the
President may offer financial assistance for
replacement of such residence.
``(ii) Report to congress.--In any case in
which the President is authorized under clause
(i) to provide financial assistance for
replacement but does not offer such assistance,
the President shall provide to Congress a
report explaining the rationale for the
decision not to provide such assistance.''.
TITLE III--MITIGATION REFORMS
SEC. 301. PREAPPROVED PROJECT MITIGATION PLANS.
Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(f) Preapproved Project Mitigation Plans.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to carry out projects
pursuant to the requirements of this subsection, a State or
Indian tribal government shall, in consultation with
appropriately licensed professionals (as such term is defined
in section 409(b)(5)), develop and submit to the President a
preapproved project mitigation plan.
``(2) Submission requirement.--If a State or Indian tribal
government does not submit a plan under paragraph (1) not later
than 3 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of
2025, the State or Indian tribal government shall not be
eligible for an increased Federal share under subsection (c)(3)
of section 409 for any assistance provided under such section.
``(3) Contents.--A preapproved mitigation plan described in
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) a list of projects designed to mitigate
damage caused by natural disasters that may occur in
such State or the jurisdiction of the Indian tribal
government, as applicable;
``(B) with respect to a State--
``(i) not fewer than 1 project for each
county or county equivalent in the State; or
``(ii) a written description explaining why
a county or county equivalent does not have a
proposed project under the plan;
``(C) a detailed description of each project and
the benefits of such project; and
``(D) an estimated cost for each project.
``(4) Eligible projects.--A project is eligible to be
included in a preapproved project mitigation plan described in
paragraph (1) if such project is eligible for assistance under
section 203, 205, or 404.
``(5) Peer review of grant applications.--
``(A) Establishment.--The President shall establish
a peer review process for a nonpartisan panel of at
least 30 individuals with expertise related to
emergency management, natural hazard mitigation for a
wide variety of hazards, including flooding, tornadoes,
wildfire, and earthquakes, or insurance underwriting to
conduct peer reviews of--
``(i) the projects contained in plans
submitted under this subsection; and
``(ii) previously denied projects
resubmitted for approval and inclusion in a
preapproved project mitigation plan.
``(B) Peer review panel requirements.--
``(i) Term of service.--The term of service
for a member of the panel shall be 1 year.
``(ii) Limitation on service.--An
individual may not serve consecutive terms on
the panel.
``(iii) Solicitation.--Qualified
individuals shall elect to serve on the panel
following a solicitation by the President for
prospective panel members.
``(C) Duties.--In establishing the peer review
process under subparagraph (A), the President shall
require that the peer review panel--
``(i) determine whether each project listed
in a plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal
government under paragraph (1) is cost-
effective and designed to reduce injuries, loss
of life, and damage and destruction of
property, including damage to critical services
and facilities under the jurisdiction of the
State and or Indian tribal government; and
``(ii) recommend to the President approval
or denial of each such project not later than 3
months after the submission of such plan.
``(D) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5,
united states code.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United
States Code, shall not apply to activities carried out
under this paragraph.
``(6) Determination of plan approval.--
``(A) Initial determination.--Not later than 1
month after receiving the recommendations under
subparagraph (B)(ii), the President shall--
``(i) approve or deny each project in the
plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal
government;
``(ii) for any plan that contains a project
that is approved, approve preapproved project
mitigation plan as containing only the projects
approved under clause (i); and
``(iii) for any plan that contains a
project that is denied, notify the applicable
State or Indian tribal government, including
information on the reasons for such a denial
and any information necessary for the State or
Indian tribal government to update such project
for resubmission.
``(B) Considerations for approval.--In approving a
project under this subparagraph (A)(i), the President
shall consider the following:
``(i) The findings and recommendations of
the peer reviews carried out under paragraph
(3).
``(ii) The degree to which the projects
contained in the plan reduce deaths, injuries,
and property damage by reducing the risks
associated with natural disasters.
``(iii) The extent of the need of the
entity to carry out the projects contained in
the plan and the potential of such projects to
mitigate hazards to the United States.
``(C) Technical assistance.--The President may
provide technical assistance to a State or Indian
tribal government with respect to which a project was
denied under subparagraph (A)(i) to assist such State
or Indian tribal government to resubmit the project for
approval under this subsection.
``(D) Default approval.--If the President does not
make a determination or provide notification under this
paragraph, as applicable, with respect to a plan
submitted under paragraph (1) not later than 1 month
after the peer-review panel submits recommendations
under paragraph (3)(B)(ii), such plan shall--
``(i) be deemed to be approved under this
subsection; and
``(ii) consist of only the projects
recommended for approval by the peer review
panel under paragraph (3)(B)(ii).
``(E) Resubmittal of denied project.--In any case
in which a project in a preapproved project mitigation
plan is not approved, the State or Indian tribal
government may redevelop and resubmit such project for
approval at any time.
``(7) Effect of plan approval.--A project contained in a
plan approved under this subsection shall be considered
approved under section 203, 205, or 404, as applicable, and
shall not be subject to any additional approval requirements,
procedures, or reviews under any such section. The President
shall accept revised cost estimates for projects listed in the
preapproved project mitigation plan so long as the revised cost
is necessary to complete the project as described in such plan,
as determined by the President.
``(8) Additions of projects to the plan.--A State or Indian
tribal government that has a plan approved under this
subsection may submit an updated plan 2 years after the date on
which such plan is approved, and every 2 years thereafter, that
contains additional proposed projects. The President shall
ensure that each additional project contained in such updated
plan be subject to the approval project, including the peer-
review process, under this subsection.
``(9) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit the discretion of a State or an Indian
tribal government to prioritize or advance projects included in
a mitigation approved by the President.''.
SEC. 302. REDUCING DISASTER COSTS AND PROTECTING LIVES.
(a) In General.--Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by striking ``or local government''
each place it appears;
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Local Government Distribution.--
``(1) Suballocations.--Each State that receives assistance
under this section shall distribute not less than 50 percent of
the funds allocated under subsection (f) to local governments
carrying out mitigation projects under this section.
``(2) Distribution and reporting.--Not later than 60 days
after receiving assistance under this section, the State shall
distribute the suballocations pursuant to paragraph (1) or, in
cases in which the assistance would be used for a project that
is not contained in a preapproved project mitigation plan under
section 322(f), the State shall provide the President with
details on the mitigation measures for which such funds will be
used by the local government.'';
(3) in subsection (e)(1)(B)--
(A) in clause (iii) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (iv) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) to develop preapproved project
mitigation plans pursuant to section 322(f).'';
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``on a competitive
basis for mitigation activities that are cost-effective
and in accordance with the criteria in subsection (g)''
and inserting ``to States and Indian tribal governments
through the allocation under paragraphs (2) and (4) for
mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in
accordance with subsection (g)'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Allocation.--In providing financial assistance under
this section, the President shall allocate available funds for
a fiscal year among eligible States by formula as follows:
``(A) 40 percent of available funds shall be
distributed equally among each eligible State.
``(B) 20 percent of available funds shall be
distributed among each eligible State based on a
sliding scale that provides the highest share of such
funds to States that have the most vulnerability to
natural hazards in the critical infrastructure of such
States.
``(C) 20 percent of available funds shall be
distributed among each eligible State based on a
sliding scale that provides a higher share to States
that have a higher population and a lower median
income, using data from the most recent decennial
census.
``(D) 20 percent of available funds shall be
distributed among each eligible State based on a
sliding scale that provides the highest share to States
with the highest amount of approved projects located in
communities that meet the definition of an economically
distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title
13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a rural area under
section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).'';
(C) in paragraph (3)(B) by striking ``on a
competitive basis''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Tribes.--Under this section, the President shall
ensure that the amount of financial assistance made available
to Indian tribal governments for a fiscal year is not less than
$75,000,000.'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``In determining whether to provide
technical and financial assistance to a State or local
government under this section,'' and inserting ``In
determining eligibility for technical and financial
assistance under this section,''; and
(B) by striking ``, and take into account--'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting a period;
(6) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``mitigation
activities approved by the President'' and inserting ``a
mitigation activity funded under this section'';
(7) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``409,'' after
``408,''; and
(B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``409,'' after
``408,''; and
(8) by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Project Administration.--A State or local government under
this section may provide funding for projects--
``(1) executed through a partnership established between 2
or more eligible entities to carry out a project or similar
projects;
``(2) undertaken by a private nonprofit facility;
``(3) undertaken as part of a public-private partnership;
or
``(4) executed through a combination of other Federal
mitigation programs, including the Federal mitigation program
under section 404.''.
(b) Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue policy and
guidance to implement the amendments made by this section. Any existing
regulations, policies, or guidance that are no longer applicable as a
result of the amendments contained in this section or that conflict
with the letter or intent of such amendments are deemed rescinded.
SEC. 303. RESILIENT BUILDINGS AND COMMUNITIES.
(a) Predisaster Hazard Mitigation.--Section 203 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133)
is further amended by inserting after subsection (l) the following:
``(m) Latest Published Editions Defined.--For purposes of
subsections (e)(1)(B)(iv) and (g)(10), the term `latest published
editions' means, with respect to relevant consensus-based codes,
specifications, and standards, the 2 most recently published
editions.''.
(b) Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program.--Section
205(f)(5) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135(f)(5)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Establishing''
and insert ``Implementing'';
(2) by striking ``establish'' and insert ``implement'';
(3) by inserting ``2'' after ``latest''; and
(4) by inserting ``, including any amendments made by
State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments to such codes,
specifications, and standards,'' after ``standards''.
(c) Residential Retrofit and Resilience Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency shall carry out a residential
resilience pilot program through the program established under
section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to make available
assistance to States and local governments for the purpose of
providing grants to individuals for residential resilience
retrofits.
(2) Amount of funds.--The Administrator may use not more
than 10 percent across allocations of the assistance made
available to applicants on an annual basis under section 203 of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to provide assistance under this
subsection.
(3) Timeline.--The Administrator shall establish the pilot
program under this subsection not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act and the program shall terminate
on September 30, 2028.
(4) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program under this
subsection, the Administrator shall ensure that a State or
local government receiving assistance under the program
provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need.
(5) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that includes--
(A) a summary of the grant awards and projects
carried out under this subsection;
(B) a detailed compilation of results achieved by
the grant awards and projects carried out under this
subsection, including the number of homes receiving
retrofits, the types and average costs of retrofits,
demographic information for participants in the
program, and estimate avoidance in disaster impacts and
Federal disaster payments as a result of the grant
investments; and
(C) any identified implementation challenges and
recommendations for improvements to the pilot program.
(6) Applicability.--This subsection shall only apply to
amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(7) Residential resilient retrofits defined.--
(A) In general.--In this subsection, the term
``residential resilient retrofits'' means a project
that--
(i) is designed to increase the resilience
of an existing home or residence using
mitigation measures which the Administrator
determines reduce damage and impacts from
natural disaster hazards and risks that are
most likely to occur in the area where the home
is located; and
(ii) to the extent applicable, are
consistent with the 2 most recently published
editions of relevant consensus-based codes,
specifications, and standards, including any
amendments made by State, local, tribal, or
territorial governments to such codes,
specifications, and standards that incorporate
the latest hazard-resistant designs and
establish criteria for the design,
construction, and maintenance of residential
structures and facilities that may be eligible
for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) for the purpose of
protecting the health, safety, and general
welfare of the buildings' users against
disasters.
(B) Inclusion.--In this subsection, the term
``residential resilient retrofits'' includes--
(i) elevations of homes and elevations of
utilities within and around structures to
mitigate damages;
(ii) floodproofing measures;
(iii) the construction of tornado-safe
rooms;
(iv) seismic retrofits;
(v) wildfire retrofit and mitigation
measures;
(vi) wind retrofits, including roof
replacements, hurricane straps, and tie-downs;
and
(vii) any other measures that meet the
requirements of paragraph (1), as determined by
the Administrator.
SEC. 304. STRENGTHENING HAZARD RISK REDUCTION.
(a) Improved Hazard Mitigation Delivery.--
(1) In general.--Section 404(c)(2) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170c(c)(2)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``The President'' and all that
follows through ``as a pilot program.''; and
(B) by striking ``The criteria shall'' inserting
``The President shall establish criteria for the
approval of applications submitted under paragraph (1)
that''.
(2) Project consolidation.--Section 404 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Mitigation Project Consolidations.--
``(1) Eligible activities.--Notwithstanding section 312 and
any regulations implementing such section, assistance provided
under this section for a mitigation project may be used in
combination with--
``(A) assistance provided under section 203; and
``(B) any other Federal assistance provided for
such project.
``(2) Federal and non-federal share.--For purposes of the
Federal share requirements of a mitigation project under this
section--
``(A) any Federal assistance provided under section
203 for such project shall be applied toward the
Federal share required under this section; and
``(B) any non-Federal funds for such mitigation
project that are specified to meet the Federal share
requirements of section 203 may be used to meet the
non-Federal share requirements under this section.
``(3) Total federal share.--Federal assistance provided for
a mitigation project under this section and section 203 may not
exceed the total Federal share for such project.
``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section
shall--
``(A) affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard
mitigation measure under this section;
``(B) affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard
mitigation measure under this section or section 203;
or
``(C) affect the cost share requirements of a
federally authorized hazard mitigation project.''.
(b) Prepayment Relief for Hazard Mitigation.--Section 404(e) of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170c(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Advance Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The President may provide the total
Federal share of the estimated cost of hazard mitigation
measures to a State grantee eligible for a grant under this
section before eligible costs are incurred.
``(2) Home retrofits.--The Administrator shall offer to
advance assistance to applicants from such Federal share for
purposes of home retrofits to improve resilience, including
home elevations, totaling the total amount of the estimated
Federal share of such project before eligible costs are
incurred.''.
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply
to a major disaster or emergency declared under such Act before the
date of enactment of this Act for which the period for processing
requests for assistance has not ended as of the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 305. UTILITY RESILIENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Electric Utilities.--
``(1) Hazard mitigation activities.--An electric utility
may carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities
jointly or otherwise in combination with activities for the
restoration of power carried out with assistance provided under
this section.
``(2) Eligibility for additional assistance.--In any case
in which an electric utility facility receives assistance under
this section for the emergency restoration of power, the
receipt of such assistance shall not render such facility
ineligible for any hazard mitigation assistance under section
406 for which such facility is otherwise eligible.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall only
apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 306. ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO HAZARD MITIGATION REVOLVING LOAN
FUND.
Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(A) by inserting ``hazard
mitigation, resilience, and'' before ``emergency management'';
and
(2) in subsection (f)(1)(C) by striking ``2'' and inserting
``4''.
SEC. 307. STREAMLINED HAZARD MITIGATION APPLICATION PROCESS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall
establish a consolidated grant application form for hazard mitigation
funds provided under sections 203, 205, and 404 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133;
5135; 5170c), to--
(1) facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation
funds established under such sections;
(2) facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation
funds established under the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) and section 322(f) of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (as
added by this Act);
(3) ensure the provision of hazard mitigation assistance in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
(4) reduce the administrative burden of the application and
review process; and
(5) expedite the execution of grant agreements and the
disbursement of funds.
SEC. 308. STUDY AND REPORT ON MITIGATION BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness,
long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of nationwide hazard
mitigation activities funded by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
(b) Objectives.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall assess how the mitigation programs of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency--
(1) reduce Federal and non-Federal expenditures for
disaster response and recovery;
(2) enhance community preparedness for natural hazards;
(3) improve the availability and affordability of hazard-
related insurance;
(4) support continuity of operations for critical services
and infrastructure; and
(5) generate long-term cost savings and measurable returns
on investment.
(c) Methodology.--The study under subsection (a) shall include--
(1) quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided
losses;
(2) evaluations of the effect of hazard mitigation on
community-level risk ratings, actuarial assessments, and
insurance penetration;
(3) case studies from diverse geographic regions and hazard
types; and
(4) examinations of the role of mitigation activities in
reducing Federal disaster response and recovery costs.
(d) Data Sources.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall use data from--
(1) Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies;
(2) independent third-party assessments and academic
studies; and
(3) internal program evaluations and disaster recovery
records.
(e) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the Administrator may consult with--
(1) the Comptroller General of the United States;
(2) the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology;
(3) State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; and
(4) relevant academic and research institutions.
(f) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate a report detailing--
(A) the findings of the study;
(B) recommendations for improving program design,
targeting, and oversight; and
(C) recommendations for legislative and
administrative actions.
(2) Availability.--The Administrator shall make each report
submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the website
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency not later than 60
days after the submission of such report.
(g) Public Availability and Ongoing Review.--
(1) Public access.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make the
results of the initial study required under subsection (a)
publicly available in a searchable, user-friendly format on the
website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2) Contents.--The published data under paragraph (1) shall
include--
(A) summarized findings and datasets, excluding any
information that would compromise national security or
privacy;
(B) visualizations and geographic mappings of
mitigation outcomes; and
(C) clear explanations of methodology, data
sources, and limitations.
(h) Annual Updates.--The Administrator shall conduct the study
described in subsection (a) on an annual basis, incorporating the most
recent available data, updates to methodology, and stakeholder
feedback.
TITLE IV--TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
SEC. 401. GAO REVIEW OF FEMA TRANSITION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct a review of the transition of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency under title I; and
(2) provide a briefing on the results of the review
conducted under paragraph (1) to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(b) Scope.--In conducting the reviews required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall assess the following:
(1) The continued processing of grants for constructing,
reconstructing, repairing, restoring, or replacing eligible
facilities.
(2) The establishment of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the
executive branch to evaluate whether the transition complied
with Federal laws relating to labor, procurement, information
management, and related statutes.
(3) The status of the contractual obligations of the
Agency.
(4) Interdepartmental coordination, establishment of new
memorandums of understanding, and assistance from the
Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the Department
fulfills all statutory requirements to ensure optimal agency
performance during the transition.
(5) Costs associated with the transition of personnel,
equipment, furnishings, and related contents over the course of
the transition.
(6) Personnel retention related to the transition.
(7) Physical and technological infrastructure needs and
which of the needs have been met, to ensure that the Agency has
been provided with the necessary resources to carry out the
mission of the Agency, following the transition of the Agency.
(8) Programmatic operations during the transition of the
Agency.
(9) Communication operations to monitor continued
connectivity with stakeholders, including State emergency
managers, private nonprofit organizations, and other related
parties, during the transition.
(10) Engineer personnel levels at the Agency.
(11) Contracts entered into with licensed engineering
professionals in States that are in geographic areas in which a
major disaster has recently been declared under section 401 of
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
(12) Best practices and lessons learned during the
transition, in coordination with the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and any other key personnel
of the Agency.
(c) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on the date
that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, or an
earlier date agreed upon by the Comptroller General and the committees
of Congress specified in subsection (a).
SEC. 402. TRANSPARENCY AND ONLINE ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) Subpage for Transparency of Disaster Assistance.--
(1) Establishment of repository for reporting
requirements.--The Director of the Office of Management and
Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and
the head of each covered Federal agency, shall establish a
subpage within the website established under section 2 of the
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31
U.S.C. 6101 note) to publish the information required to be
made available to the public under this subsection.
(2) Submission of information by federal agencies.--Not
later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, each
covered Federal agency that made disaster assistance available
to an eligible recipient during such quarter shall, in
coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget, make available to the public on the subpage established
under paragraph (1) the information described in paragraph (3),
and ensure that any data assets of the agency are machine-
readable.
(3) Information required.--The information described in
this paragraph is, with respect to disaster assistance provided
by the covered Federal agency--
(A) the total amount of disaster assistance
provided by the agency during such quarter;
(B) the amount of disaster assistance provided by
the agency that was expended or obligated to projects
or activities; and
(C) a detailed list of all projects or activities
for which disaster assistance dispersed by the agency
was expended, obligated, or used, including--
(i) the name of the project or activity;
(ii) a description of the project or
activity;
(iii) an evaluation of the completion
status of the project or activity;
(iv) any award identification number
assigned to the project;
(v) the Catalog for Disaster Assistance
number assigned by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency;
(vi) the location of the project, including
ZIP Codes; and
(vii) any reporting requirement information
being collected by a covered Federal agency
with respect to that agency's disaster
assistance.
(4) Guidance.--Each covered Federal agency, in coordination
with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and
the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue such guidance as is
necessary to meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Agreement with private entity.--The Director, if
necessary for purposes of transparency, may enter into an
agreement with a private entity, including a nonprofit
organization, to develop the subpage required under this
subsection.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered federal agency.--The term ``covered Federal
agency'' means--
(A) any agency providing assistance under the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
(B) the Small Business Administration; and
(C) the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
(2) Disaster assistance.--The term ``disaster assistance''
means any funds that are made available by the Federal
Government in response to a specified natural disaster,
including--
(A) any assistance provided by the Administrator of
the Small Business Administration as a result of a
disaster declared under section 7(b) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b));
(B) any assistance provided by the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development for--
(i) activities authorized under title I of
the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) related to
disaster relief, long-term recovery,
restoration of infrastructure and housing, and
economic revitalization in the most impacted
and distressed areas resulting from a major
disaster declared pursuant to the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); and
(ii) flood insurance coverage provided
under the National Flood Insurance Program
pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.); and
(C) any assistance provided under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(3) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient''--
(A) means any entity that receives disaster
assistance directly from the Federal Government
(including disaster assistance received through grant,
loan, or contract) other than an individual; and
(B) includes a State that receives disaster
assistance.
(4) Specified natural disaster.--The term ``specified
natural disaster'' means--
(A) a fire on public or private forest land or
grassland described in section 420 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5187);
(B) a major disaster declared by the President
under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);
(C) an emergency declared by the President under
section 501 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5191); and
(D) any other natural disaster for which a disaster
declaration is made by the Federal Government.
SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION.
Section 308(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5151(a)) is amended by striking
``or economic status'' and inserting ``economic status, or political
affiliation''.
SEC. 404. REVIEW OF BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND POLICIES.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives a report that--
(1) identifies any regulations, policies, and procedures
promulgated pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that--
(A) are obsolete;
(B) conflict with other regulations, policies, and
procedures;
(C) conflict with current law;
(D) set more stringent requirements than required
by law; and
(E) create unnecessary burdens and costs on
disaster assistance; and
(2) contains recommendations on which regulations,
policies, and procedures should be amended or rescinded.
SEC. 405. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report with
respect to fiscal year 2016 through the most recent fiscal year ending
before the date of enactment of this Act, and an annual report for any
fiscal year beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act,
describing--
(1) the average amount of individual assistance and
individual and household assistance provided under section 408
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to, and the rate of
denial of individual assistance and individual and household
assistance provided under such section for--
(A) all individuals;
(B) households;
(C) individuals and households with a reported
annual income under 75 percent of the national median
household income;
(D) individuals with a reported annual income over
125 percent of the national median household income;
and
(E) individuals with a reported annual income
between 75 percent and 125 percent of the national
median household income; and
(2) an explanation for any factors causing an increase in
the rate of denial of the assistance described in paragraph
(1), if applicable.
(b) Information Required.--In the report submitted under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall describe the number of homeowners and the
number of renters for each category of individuals and households
described in subparagraphs (C) through (E) of subsection (a)(1).
SEC. 406. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 431. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after a declaration by
the President that a major disaster exists under section 401, the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish
on a website of the Agency an interactive web tool displaying the
following information with respect to such disaster:
``(1) The number of applications for assistance under
section 408, including a description of the number of
applications for assistance related to housing under such
section and the number of applications for assistance to
address other needs under section 408(e).
``(2) The number of applications for such assistance that
are approved.
``(3) The number of applications for such assistance that
are denied.
``(4) A ranked list of the reasons for the denial of such
applications, including the number of applications for each
reason for denial.
``(5) If available, the dollar amount of assistance
provided pursuant to section 408 to applicants who are--
``(A) property owners with a household annual
income--
``(i) above the national median household
income; and
``(ii) below the national median household
income; and
``(B) renters with a household annual income--
``(i) above the national median household
income; and
``(ii) below the national median household
income.
``(6) The estimated percentage of residential property that
was destroyed as a result of the major disaster, if available.
``(7) Any other information that the Administrator
determines to be relevant.
``(b) Personally Identifiable Information.--The Administrator shall
ensure that none of the information published under subsection (a)
contains the personally identifiable information of an applicant.''.
SEC. 407. GAO REPORT ON PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study on the practices, including the accuracy of such
practices, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses when
conducting preliminary damage assessments for the purposes of providing
assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174).
(b) Contents.--The Comptroller General shall include in the study
conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1) A comparison of the process and procedures used by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete preliminary
damage assessments to the process and procedures used by
private insurance companies following a major disaster.
(2) A review of training provided to individuals conducting
preliminary damage assessments.
(3) A comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by
individuals above the national median income to homes owned by
individuals at or below the national median income.
SEC. 408. IMPROVED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
shall conduct a study to examine the unique challenges of renters when
seeking Federal disaster assistance and any disparities of assistance
provided to homeowners and renters pursuant to section 408 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5174) and develop a plan that addresses any identified
challenges and disparities, including any recommendations for
legislative action.
(b) Report to Congress.--Upon completion of the activities carried
out under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate a report containing the study and recommendations
required under subsection (a).
(c) Consultation.--In completing the study and report required
under subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall consult with
appropriate Federal entities and stakeholders involved in disaster
housing.
SEC. 409. GAO ASSESSMENT ON IDENTITY THEFT AND DISASTER FRAUD IN
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct an assessment of improper and potentially
fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals made to
survivors of major disasters declared in 2020 and 2021,
including through identity theft; and
(2) submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate a report that describes--
(A) the prevalence of improper and potentially
fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals
made to registrants who used invalid information to
apply for disaster assistance, including through
identity theft;
(B) the number of disaster survivors whose claims
for Federal disaster assistance for individuals were
denied due to another individual filing a fraudulent
application using their personal identifying
information;
(C) the adequacy of existing fraud prevention
protocols in place on the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's online application for Federal disaster
assistance for individuals; and
(D) recommendations for improving the identity
verification protocols in place for Federal disaster
assistance for individuals.
SEC. 410. GAO STUDY ON INSURANCE UTILIZATION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE-
ELIGIBLE FACILITIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
complete a study on the utilization of insurance by facilities eligible
for public assistance.
(b) Matters To Be Studied.--In conducting the study under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall examine the following:
(1) The effect of insurance coverage of a State on
declarations by the President under section 401 of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170) that a major disaster exists in such State.
(2) Trends in insurance coverage for facilities eligible
for public assistance before and after such facilities receive
public assistance.
(3) The enforcement of insurance purchase requirements
under section 206.253 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Rates of noncompliance with, or lapses in, required
insurance coverage by recipients of public assistance.
(5) Rates of insurance coverage among critical facilities
eligible for public assistance, including hospitals, emergency
operations centers, and public safety buildings.
(6) Changes in facilities eligible for public assistance
obtaining insurance coverage after revisions to flood hazard
maps or other hazard designations.
(c) Report to Congress.--Upon completion of the study required
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress
a report describing the results of such study, including findings and
any recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Public Assistance Defined.--In this section, the term ``public
assistance'' means assistance provided under section 403, 406, 409, or
428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act.
SEC. 411. STUDY ON WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT PLANS.
(a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a
study, and submit a report thereon to the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on
wildfire management plans.
(b) Contents.--In the report submitted under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall include the following:
(1) A list and description of States that have a completed
forest management plan, wildland management plan, or any
similar plan intended to guide actions the State plans to take
to mitigate the risk of wildfires with respect to non-Federal
lands.
(2) A description of States that have a high risk of
wildfires.
(3) For the States described in paragraph (2)--
(A) a list of the States that have completed a plan
described in paragraph (1); and
(B) a description of whether such plan is effective
at mitigating the risk of wildfires.
(4) An analysis of whether each State with a plan described
in paragraph (1) follows such plan and makes available adequate
resources to meet the goals of such plan.
(5) An analysis of whether any Federal funding for hazard
mitigation provided to States with a high risk of wildfires is
used to carry out activities related to mitigating the risk of
wildfires.
(6) For wildfires that occurred during the 5-year period
ending on the date of enactment of this Act, in States that did
not have a plan described in paragraph (1), an analysis as to
whether damage from such wildfires may have been reduced if
such States had such a plan in place.
(7) A comparison of the plans listed under paragraph (1)
and an identification of best practices and areas for
improvement.
(8) Recommendations on whether incentives are needed in
Federal funding for States to develop plans described in
paragraph (1) and follow such plans.
SEC. 412. EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL, STATE, TERRITORY, AND FEDERAL
ALERTING SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, State, territory, and
Federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant
information during weather-related emergencies to help communities
develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and
enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall--
(1) evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums,
including platforms such as social media, to disseminate
emergency alerts, including travel bans and mass power outages,
during extreme weather events;
(2) assess the extent that guidance and training exists for
developing alert content, such as ensuring alerts are clear,
relevant, and provide the public with actionable information;
and
(3) determine whether improvements could be made to public
alerting, including outdoor siren systems, based on input from
a selected sample of emergency managers, local officials, and
community groups.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study
conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 413. GAO REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT COSTS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives a report--
(1) on the actual management costs described in section 324
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) during the period of a major
disaster declaration under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
5170) to determine whether the amount set aside for those
management costs after the date of enactment of this Act is
appropriate; and
(2) that includes the management costs described in section
324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) for each disaster declared
under during the period of a major disaster declaration under
section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) during the 5-year
period preceding the date of the report, the amount set aside
for those management costs, the use of those management costs,
the length of each disaster, and the reason for the length of
each disaster.
SEC. 414. REPORT ON COORDINATION OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall
submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report
conducted by all relevant Federal agencies to improve the comprehensive
delivery of disaster assistance to individuals following a major
disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall
include both administrative actions taken, or planned to be taken, by
the agencies as well as legislative proposals, where appropriate, of
the following:
(1) Efforts to improve coordination between the Agency and
other relevant Federal agencies when delivering disaster
assistance to individuals.
(2) Clarify the sequence of delivery of disaster assistance
to individuals from the Agency, and other relevant Federal
agencies.
(3) Clarify the interpretation and implementation of
section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) when providing
disaster assistance to individuals, including providing a
common interpretation across the Agency, and other relevant
Federal agencies, of the definitions and requirements under
such section 312.
(4) Increase the effectiveness of communication to
applicants for assistance programs for individuals after a
disaster declaration, including the breadth of programs
available and the potential impacts of utilizing one program
versus another.
(c) Report Update.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with other
relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the congressional committees
of jurisdiction an update to the report required under paragraph (1).
SEC. 415. GAO REVIEW OF COST SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH REPAIR AND
REBUILDING REFORMS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
complete a study on repair and rebuilding reforms carried out by the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) Contents.--The Comptroller General shall include in the study
conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1) A comprehensive review of the costs associated with
providing direct housing assistance options in response to a
major disaster or emergency, including temporary housing units,
transportable temporary housing units, hoteling programs, and
rental assistance.
(2) An assessment of--
(A) the relative cost and timeliness of providing
permanent repairs or reconstruction of owner-occupied
residences compared to the provision of direct housing
assistance options, including an evaluation of both
short-term expenditures and long-term Federal
obligations;
(B) the effect of permanent repairs or
reconstruction assistance on recovery outcomes for
survivors of major disasters, including time to
reestablishment, housing stability, health and safety,
and economic self-sufficiency, in comparison to the
recovery outcomes for such survivors who received
temporary sheltering;
(C) the effect of permanent repairs or
reconstruction on the ability of survivors of major
disasters to remain in or return to predisaster
communities, including implications for community
cohesion and regional workforce stability;
(D) the benefits and potential challenges of
expanding the role of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency in direct repair or reconstruction, including
staffing, coordination with States or Tribal
governments, and interagency collaboration;
(E) the effect of repair and rebuilding reforms on
long-term Federal disaster recovery liabilities,
including the potential for cost avoidance in future
disaster assistance, housing displacement, and repeat
assistance cases; and
(F) the adequacy of existing or proposed safeguards
to protect Federal funds.
(3) A review of the use of permanent repairs of owner-
occupied residences and permanent housing construction by the
Administrator, including best practices and lessons learned.
(c) Report.--Upon completion of the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report
describing the results of such study, including findings and any
recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Repair and Rebuilding Reforms Defined.--In this section, the
term ``repair and rebuilding reforms'' means reforms to the provision
of assistance under sections 403 and 408 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the
amendments made by this Act.
SEC. 416. TRANSPARENCY FOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS.
Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d) Transparency for Major Disaster Declarations.--
``(1) In general.--Upon issuing an approval or denial of a
major disaster requested by a Governor of a State or the Chief
Executive of an affected Indian tribal government under this
section, the President shall provide to the Governor or Chief
Executive a detailed justification of such approval or denial
that includes--
``(A) an explanation of the determination that the
damage caused by the disaster did or did not exceed the
capacity of the State or Indian tribal government;
``(B) a consideration of loss of life and potential
continued threats to public safety;
``(C) the total value of the damage caused by the
disaster as estimated by the President, in consultation
with the Administrator and impacted State or Indian
tribal government, that was used to make the disaster
declaration determination; and
``(D) how the President, in consultation with the
Administrator--
``(i) determined whether the disaster
impacted a rural or economically distressed
community or communities; and
``(ii) considered whether there was severe
local impact or were recent multiple disasters
in the impacted area.
``(2) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply in
any case in which the President makes a declaration under this
section for a major disaster that is requested through
expedited procedures, including pursuant to section 206.36(d)
of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.''.
SEC. 417. FAST-MOVING DISASTERS WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall convene a working group to review and develop best
practices for preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and
responding to fast-moving disasters.
(b) Membership.--The working group established under subsection (a)
shall be composed of--
(1) representatives from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency;
(2) representatives from the United States Coast Guard;
(3) representatives from the Department of Defense;
(4) representatives from the National Weather Service of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(5) representatives of States, Tribal governments, and
units of local government; and
(6) subject matter experts in emergency management, public
alerts and warnings, emergency evacuations, and preparedness
and response.
(c) Best Practices.--Not later than 1 year after the convening of
the working group pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall
issue, and make publicly available, a report on--
(1) best practices to guide Federal, State, Tribal and
local governments in preparing for, mitigating against, public
alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters;
(2) proposed changes to plans and policies of relevant
Federal agencies to better assist in preparing for, mitigating
against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving
disasters; and
(3) any needed legislative proposals that would support
preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and
responding to fast-moving disasters.
(d) Fast-Moving Disaster Defined.--In this section, the term
``fast-moving disaster'' means an event that develops or spreads
rapidly, causing significant damage and necessitating immediate
response, including flash flooding, wildfires, mudslides, and tornados.
SEC. 418. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 432. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.
``For each major disaster that is declared by the President under
section 401 on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of
enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator shall, not later
than 90 days after such declaration, make publicly available on the
website of the Agency an interactive, publicly accessible dashboard
that tracks the following information with respect to each such
disaster:
``(1) Information on each cost estimate submitted under
section 409, including information on each applicant, date of
each submission, descriptions for each project, cost of each
project with a breakdown of the Federal cost-share and non-
Federal cost-share.
``(2) Status of the Agency review and approval of each cost
estimate submitted pursuant to section 409, including the date
a project is approved and the date the grant is issued.
``(3) An explanation for any cost estimate that is not
approved or if the grant is not provided in the timeline as
required by section 409 and any corrective action taken by the
Agency to conform with the requirements of section 409.
``(4) Project-level progress updates, consistent with the
reporting requirements established under section 409.
``(5) Information on requests made under section 801,
including dates and amounts of each request, timelines for
submissions of required information, and dates of approval and
disbursement of funds.
``(6) Any other information the Administrator determines to
be appropriate to ensure transparency and accountability in the
administration of public assistance.''.
SEC. 419. IMPROVING DISASTER WORKFORCE RETENTION.
(a) Improving Disaster Workforce Retention in Noncontiguous
Communities.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of
practices of the Agency relating to hiring, recruitment, and
retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback
from staff in such communities.
(2) Contents.--In conducting the study under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall--
(A) evaluate the recruitment strategies of the
Agency and efforts of the Agency to broaden the pool of
qualified local candidates;
(B) prioritize input from communities in which
there are the most severe staffing shortages; and
(C) identify specific steps that the Agency can
take to improve opportunities for staff in
noncontiguous communities.
(3) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
of the Senate on the results of the study conducted under
paragraph (1).
(4) Policies.--The Administrator shall take such actions as
are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations
of the Agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in
noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted
under paragraph (1).
(b) GAO Review of Disaster Response and Recovery in Noncontiguous
Communities.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of disaster
response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities,
with a particular focus on recovery efforts relating to damage
caused by Super Typhoon Yutu, and compare such practices with
the disaster response and recovery practices in contiguous
communities.
(2) Contents.--In conducting the study under paragraph (1),
the Comptroller General shall--
(A) analyze ongoing recovery efforts from disasters
that have impacted noncontiguous communities;
(B) analyze the level of coordination between the
Federal Departments and Agencies tasked with disaster
response and recovery;
(C) assess how effectively Federal agencies
coordinate with State emergency management offices;
(D) assess the effectiveness of the Area offices
and Regional Advisory Councils of the Agency in
assisting noncontiguous communities; and
(E) make recommendations on how to improve the
disaster response and recovery outcomes in
noncontiguous communities.
(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
of the Senate a report on the study conducted under paragraph
(1).
(c) Preliminary Damage Assessment Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency shall establish a pilot program to
implement new technology in carrying out a preliminary damage
assessment in a noncontiguous community in which a major
disaster has been declared under section 401 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5170).
(2) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program
established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure
that the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities
are prioritized.
(3) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
of the Senate on the implementation of the pilot program
established under paragraph (1).
(4) Sunset.--The pilot program established under paragraph
(1) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 57 - 3.
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