Sponsors (15)
The bill speeds and simplifies delivery of Stafford Act disaster funding to states, localities, and affected communities—improving recovery outcomes—while increasing the risk of improper payments and reduced federal oversight unless new safeguards are implemented.
Disaster-affected communities (rural and urban), households, and businesses will see FEMA funds obligated and disbursed more quickly, speeding recovery and shortening time to restore services and livelihoods.
State and local governments can receive Stafford Act disaster funds without delays caused by arbitrary fixed-dollar approval thresholds, improving their ability to respond and plan during emergencies.
State and local governments, and the people and businesses they serve, face fewer administrative barriers to accessing federal disaster assistance, which reduces indirect economic harms from delayed recovery.
Taxpayers and state governments may face a higher risk of funds being used for ineligible costs if the faster disbursement enabled by the bill is not paired with replacement safeguards, increasing potential improper payments.
Federal employees and taxpayers could see reduced DHS/FEMA control over spending oversight, which may raise audit findings or other oversight issues and increase financial risk to the federal government.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits DHS/FEMA from using any fixed-dollar threshold in policies or guidance that conditions, delays, or requires extra approval for Stafford Act disaster or emergency funds.
Stops the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA from creating or using any policy, directive, guidance, or practice that sets a fixed dollar amount as a trigger that would condition, delay, or require extra approval before FEMA can obligate or disburse Stafford Act disaster or emergency funds. The bill defines “monetary threshold” as any fixed dollar amount requirement and limits only DHS/FEMA administrative practices; it does not change the Stafford Act itself or alter statutory funding levels.
Introduced March 5, 2026 by Pablo José Hernández · Last progress March 5, 2026