National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 20, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a new federal program and interagency committee to enhance flood resilience and reduce flood-related damages through coordinated research, standards development, and information sharing.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Program to reduce losses from floods through coordinated federal efforts. It mandates the development of effective measures, promotes their adoption through grants and standards, and improves understanding of floods through interdisciplinary research. A new Interagency Coordinating Committee, chaired by the Army Corps of Engineers, will oversee the program, develop strategic and management plans, and coordinate an interagency budget.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill addresses a critical and growing national threat by creating a much-needed coordinated federal strategy to combat increasing flood damages. They contend that a unified approach, leveraging expertise across multiple agencies and engaging external stakeholders, will lead to more effective mitigation measures, better data, and ultimately save lives and property.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while the goal is laudable, establishing another interagency committee could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and duplication of efforts with existing federal programs. They may also raise concerns about the potential for significant future federal spending without explicit appropriations outlined in the bill, or question the efficacy of a top-down federal approach versus localized solutions.
The bill is concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to understand its core provisions and implications.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Program
This provision formally creates the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Program. Its primary goal is to significantly reduce the loss of life and property from floods across the United States. The program aims to achieve this through a coordinated effort involving various federal agencies, as well as collaboration with state and local governments, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated national program is essential to centralize and enhance efforts to combat the escalating threat of floods, ensuring a more strategic and effective response.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that existing agencies already have mandates related to flood mitigation, and a new program could lead to redundancy or bureaucratic bloat without clear additional benefits.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for comprehensive coordination and the risk of creating another layer of bureaucracy that might overlap with existing agency functions.
Section 3(b)
Program Activities for Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience
This section outlines the core activities of the new Program. It directs the Program to develop effective flood reduction measures, promote their adoption through grants, technical assistance, and the creation of standards and voluntary codes. It also mandates the creation of a data repository on flood risk and resilience, and the publication of systematic maps detailing flood vulnerability and historical events. Finally, it emphasizes interdisciplinary research to improve understanding of flood effects.
Section 3(c)(1)-(4)
Establishment and Duties of the Interagency Coordinating Committee
This provision establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience, to be chaired by the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers. Its membership includes high-level representatives from key federal agencies such as FEMA, NIST, USGS, NOAA, OSTP, and OMB. The Committee is tasked with overseeing the Program's planning, management, and coordination, developing strategic and management plans, creating a coordinated interagency budget, and establishing data-sharing agreements for flood disasters.
Section 3(c)(5)
Advisory Committee on Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience
This provision requires the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to establish an Advisory Committee of at least 11 non-federal members. These members will represent research institutions, academia, industry standards organizations, state and local governments, and financial communities, providing expert advice on flood impact reduction. The Advisory Committee will assess trends in flood science and engineering, evaluate the Program's effectiveness, and recommend revisions to its management and activities.
Section 3(c)(6)
Budget Coordination and Reporting for Program Agencies
This provision mandates that the Interagency Coordinating Committee provide annual guidance to participating agencies for preparing their appropriation requests related to the Program. It also requires the Committee to prepare an annual Program budget for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Furthermore, each Program agency must submit a report with its annual appropriation request, detailing its proposed Program activities, how they contribute to the overall Program, and the portion of its budget allocated to these activities.