Technical corrections only. The two versions of H.R. 152 are substantively identical, with v3 reflecting the bill's referral to the Senate after passing the House. No policy changes, formatting adjustments, or textual revisions were made to the bill's content.
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 14, 2025
Bottom line
The bill requires FEMA to study and plan for more efficient and less burdensome disaster assistance processes, particularly regarding information collection and preliminary damage assessments.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator to conduct two studies and develop corresponding plans within two years. One study focuses on streamlining and consolidating information collection from disaster assistance applicants and grantees, aiming to reduce burden and duplication. The second involves convening a working group to identify duplication in preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) after disaster declarations, explore single-agency assessment, and identify emerging technologies to expedite PDAs. A comprehensive report summarizing these findings and plans must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the current federal disaster assistance processes are often cumbersome, duplicative, and slow, creating unnecessary burdens for disaster victims and grantees. They contend that streamlining information collection and preliminary damage assessments will expedite aid delivery, improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and enhance transparency, ultimately leading to a more effective and responsive disaster recovery system.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might argue that mandating more studies and reports could add another layer of bureaucracy without guaranteeing tangible improvements, potentially diverting resources from direct disaster response efforts. They might also suggest that existing mechanisms for interagency coordination are sufficient or that the proposed studies could duplicate ongoing efforts within agencies, leading to minimal practical impact.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its scope and intent quickly.
Section 2(a), amending Section 1223(a) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018
Streamlining Disaster Information Collection
This provision directs the FEMA Administrator, in coordination with the Small Business Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other relevant agencies, to conduct a study and develop a plan. The goal is to modify, streamline, and consolidate the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees, making it less burdensome and duplicative. It also requires a plan for regular collection and public reporting of federal disaster assistance information via a website.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for improving the user experience for disaster victims and local governments, who often face overwhelming paperwork and redundant requests during recovery. Streamlining these processes will accelerate recovery efforts and ensure aid reaches those in need more quickly and efficiently.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against efforts to streamline administrative processes, as efficiency is a broadly supported goal. Potential concerns might revolve around the resources required for the study or the risk of oversimplification leading to data gaps, though these are generally minor compared to the benefits.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension lies in balancing the need for comprehensive data collection for accountability and program integrity with the desire to reduce administrative burden on applicants. The challenge is to streamline without compromising necessary oversight or data quality.
Section 2(a), amending Section 1223(b) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018
Streamlining Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs)
This provision directs the FEMA Administrator to convene a working group, including representatives from the Department of Labor, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Health and Human Services, Small Business Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Commerce. This group will identify duplication in preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) after disaster declarations, assess the feasibility of a single federal agency conducting PDAs for all agencies, and explore using emerging technologies like unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to expedite these assessments.
Section 2(a), amending Section 1223(c) and (d) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018
Comprehensive Report and Public Availability
This provision requires the FEMA Administrator to compile a single comprehensive report that includes the plans for streamlining information collection (from subsection a) and the findings and recommendations from the preliminary damage assessment working group (from subsection b). This report must be submitted to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Furthermore, the report must be made publicly available on the FEMA website in easily downloadable and machine-readable formats.