Technical corrections only. The only change between v3 and v4 is the addition of the Clerk's name, "KEVIN F. MCCUMBER," in the attestation line. There are no substantive policy changes in the bill text.
Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 20, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of federal homeland security grant programs by institutionalizing stakeholder feedback and outreach mechanisms within FEMA's operations.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to mandate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide ongoing stakeholder outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP). It requires FEMA to conduct annual surveys to collect feedback from state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders and to summarize how this feedback is incorporated into future grant opportunities. Additionally, the bill mandates a Comptroller General review of FEMA's outreach effectiveness and a FEMA report on actions taken under these new requirements.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of critical homeland security grant programs by ensuring that the needs and experiences of state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders are directly incorporated into the grant-making process. They emphasize that better communication and feedback lead to more targeted funding, improved preparedness, and stronger partnerships between federal and local entities, ultimately strengthening national security.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while the intent is good, the bill imposes additional administrative burdens and reporting requirements on FEMA, potentially diverting resources from direct grant administration or other critical preparedness activities. They might contend that existing feedback mechanisms are sufficient or that formalizing annual surveys and reports could create bureaucratic overhead without a proportional increase in program effectiveness.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for stakeholders to understand its provisions and implications.
Section 2(a), amending Section 2003 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 604)
Enhanced Outreach for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
This provision requires the Administrator of FEMA to provide continuous outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants. This includes conducting annual surveys to gather feedback from state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders on grant awarding and outreach effectiveness, and summarizing how this feedback is used in future grant opportunities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formalizing stakeholder feedback ensures UASI grants are better tailored to the evolving needs of urban areas, improving preparedness and resource allocation by directly addressing local challenges and successes.
Critics contend
Critics might suggest that FEMA already engages with stakeholders and that mandating specific survey and reporting cycles could add bureaucracy without significantly improving outcomes beyond current practices.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for federal oversight and standardized grant processes with the desire for local flexibility and responsiveness, potentially increasing administrative overhead for greater stakeholder satisfaction.
Section 2(b), amending Section 2004 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 605)
Enhanced Outreach for State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)
Similar to the UASI provision, this section mandates the FEMA Administrator to provide ongoing stakeholder outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support for the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP). This includes annual surveys to collect feedback from state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders and requiring summaries of how this feedback informs future grant opportunities.
Section 2(c) and 2(d)
Oversight and Reporting Requirements
This provision mandates two reports: first, the Comptroller General of the United States must submit a report within two years of enactment assessing the effectiveness of FEMA's new outreach efforts for UASI and SHSGP. Second, the FEMA Administrator must submit a report within three years of enactment detailing the actions taken regarding the new outreach requirements, including survey results and how feedback was incorporated.