Disaster Planning/Emergencies

FEMA reimbursement for COVID era costs

FEMA Reform Proposals, Wildfire Insurance

FEMA Reform Proposals, Wildfire Insurance

FEMA Reform Proposals

FEMA Reform Proposals, Wildfire Insurance

FEMA Reform Proposals, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, Wildfire Insurance, BRIC program, Wildfire Insurance

Issues relating to recent to weather-related emergencies and impact on local municipalities

FEMA Reform

H.R.731 - To exempt hazardous fuel reduction activities from certain environmental requirements for a 10-year period. (Darrell Issa, R-CA-48) H.R.744 - To amend section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to incentivize States, Indian Tribes, and Territories to close disaster recovery projects by authorizing the use of excess funds for management costs for other disaster recovery projects. (Neguse)

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 is a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 is a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 is a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

The Payment Choice Act of 2025 - Summary A bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Its purpose is to ensure that businesses accept cash for on-site sales under $500 and cannot charge cash-paying customers a higher price than those using other payment methods. The bill allows for exceptions, such as a business providing a fee-free device to convert cash to a prepaid card. S. 2326 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 1119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in Senate 07/17/2025 Sponsor: Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND] Committees: Senate - Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs To ensure that United States currency is treated as legal tender to be accepted as payment for purchases of goods and services at brick-and-mortar businesses throughout the United States, and for other purposes. H.R.1138 - Payment Choice Act of 2025 119th Congress (2025-2026) - Introduced in House 02/07/2025 Sponsor: Rep. Rose, John W. [R=TN-6] Committees: House - Financial Affairs This bill requires retail businesses to accept cash as a form of payment for on-site sales of $500 or less and it prohibits them from charging cash-paying customers a higher price compared to customers not paying with cash. Businesses covered by this bill are those engaged in the business of selling or offering goods or services at retail to the public that accept in-person payments at a physical location. The bill establishes exceptions for this requirement, including by allowing a business to provide a device to provide prepaid cards on site for customers to use as payment. Among other requirements, such a card must not have a fee associated with its use and must not require a minimum payment of more than $1. The bill provides for enforcement through preventative relief, damages, and civil penalties.

Blood centers disaster preparedness and response activities, cybersecurity of the naton's blood supply

FEMA Reorganization (FEMA Act of 2025 -- HR 4669) Disaster Recovery (general) Advocate funding for FY2027 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Water Resources Development Act

H.R. 4213, FY 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations relating to the funding of Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), United States Fire Administration (USFA), and the national Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) system. H.R. 4754/S. 2431, Interior, Environment and Related Agencies FY 2026 Appropriations relating to the funding of the State Fire Capacity Grants (State Fire Assistance) and Volunteer Fire Capacity Grants (Volunteer Fire Assistance). H.R. 4552/S. 2465, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development FY 2026 Appropriations relating to funding at the Department of Housing & Urban Development for the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in public housing. Issues relating to the implementation of Executive Order 13976, Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response. H.R.973/S.389, Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act H.R.4009, Pro Codes Act Issues relating to reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Issues relating to staffing reductions at FEMA, the U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Fire Academy and delays in grant payments. Issues relating to fire safety and lithium batteries Issues relating to the promotion of up-to-date building codes Issues related to the authorization of funds for fire station renovation and construction.

Electric Grid, Emergency Response, Role of Wood Pole Supply, Fire Wrap Utility Pole mitigate fire hazard.

Lobbying activity unrelated to pending legislation: -- Support and coordination for federal Stafford Act declarations impacting Kansas counties and adjoining counties -- Support for FEMA operations for disaster recovery in Kansas -- Opposition to reduction in FEMA funding and service levels

Work with the congressional delegation on issues related to funding the city dock hazard mitigation project.

Outstanding hospital reimbursements

Biodefense; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority funding; vaccine research, development, manufacturing and marketing; infectious diseases; PAHPA; Labor-HHS-ED appropriations bills; NDAA

Issue code: DIS Agencies lobbied: House and Senate Specific issues for the Issue code: Disaster relief