Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act (S.1858)
This bill would amend the deadline for applying to FEMA’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to match the deadline for FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program (IHP) when both have been made available for disaster survivors. WHY WE LIKE IT FEMA DUA offers unemployment benefits for individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of a […]
Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (S.1686)
This bill would permanently authorize the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. The legislation would codify and enhance key elements and functions of CDBG-DR, such as its prioritization of unmet needs of low-and-moderate income communities, to better ensure the program’s intended outcomes and effectiveness. S. 1686 […]
Disaster Assistance Simplification Act (S.1528)
The bill would establish a universal disaster assistance application for disaster survivors to apply for federal assistance programs across various federal agencies. This web-based system, to be implemented by FEMA, would provide a central location for individuals to apply for aid, receive status updates, and obtain recovery resources. WHY WE LIKE IT Applying for aid […]
Resilient Airports Act (H.R.3059), Natural Hazard Resilience for Airports Act of 2023 (S.1033)
The Resilient Airports Act (H.R. 3059) and the Natural Hazard Resilience for Airports Act (S. 1033) would ensure FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) resources can be used for flood resilience purposes. Specifically, the legislation would expand AIP eligibility criteria, allowing resources for more small and rural airport infrastructure projects that enhance flooding and other natural […]
Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises Act (H.R.2966 / S.1370)
The PREPARE Act would reestablish and strengthen the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation loan program. This program would provide loans of up to $500,000 to shield property, machinery, supplies, and inventory from damage caused by natural hazards. The proposed legislation would specifically instruct SBA to do extensive outreach and offer technical assistance for small […]
Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R.1796)
In the wake of major floods, survivors face considerable challenges navigating federal recovery programs from across more than 30 government entities, making it difficult to access support for serious needs such as temporary housing and property repair or replacement. The Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would implement a number of longstanding recommendations to simplify the recovery […]
Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2023 (S.757 / H.R.1670)
The Making Access To Cleanup Happen (MATCH) Act of 2023 would allow communities to begin pre-approved watershed rehabilitation activities promptly after a disaster without forfeiting their eligibility for federal assistance, speeding up the cleanup process and reducing the risk of further flooding. Currently, to maintain eligibility for disaster assistance under the U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
Agriculture Innovation Act of 2023 (S.98)
The Agriculture Innovation Act of 2023 would strengthen agricultural data collection and distribution to connect farmers, ranchers, and foresters with the most effective conservation practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and flood resilience. Improved data would also help U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) technical assistance programs monitor the performance of conservation practices over time, allowing field […]
VA Flood Preparedness Act (H.R.7297)
This bill would provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with authority to help local governments cover portions of flood mitigation projects, including those that address the risk of flooding associated with rising sea levels. The bill would also direct the VA to submit a report to Congress on the threat flooding poses to its […]
National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy Act (S.3531 / H.R.6461)
This bill would establish a Chief Resilience Officer in the White House to coordinate a new, whole-of-government National Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy. This strategy would articulate a vision for how the federal government will prepare for the effects of flooding and extreme weather, and ensure policies and resources equitably support historically underserved, frontline communities. […]
