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Creates a FEMA-run Alternative Block Grant Program that lets the President provide States with block grants for temporary housing assistance after a major presidential disaster declaration. States may choose the block grant option instead of pursuing individual temporary housing assistance under existing law, and must submit applications and reports to FEMA; leftover grant funds are restricted for preparedness or mitigation uses.
Establishes an alternative block grant program for temporary housing assistance to individuals and households after a major disaster; the President acts through the Administrator of FEMA to establish the program (new section 431).
Requires the Administrator to assess the cost of providing temporary housing assistance in each impacted State after a major disaster, including reasonable State administrative expenses to manage and distribute the block grant.
Requires the Administrator to consult with each applicable State when making the cost assessment so the estimate reflects reasonable amounts necessary to provide assistance that would otherwise be provided under section 408(c) or other housing assistance identified by the State.
Requires the President to establish a process for a State to elect to apply for a block grant under this section in place of individuals' and households' eligibility to apply for assistance under section 408(c).
Requires that a State may request a single adjustment to the block grant amount if the initial amount is insufficient to provide assistance equivalent to what would be provided under section 408(c).
Primary effects fall on State governments, disaster-affected individuals and communities, and FEMA. States gain a flexible funding option to deliver temporary housing assistance after a major disaster declaration; this can speed delivery and let States tailor support to local needs. Disaster survivors might see services delivered at the state level rather than via individual eligibility processes, which could simplify or change access depending on State implementation. FEMA’s role shifts toward cost estimation, grant administration, and oversight, requiring systems for approvals and reporting. Local governments and community organizations may be affected by how States allocate and manage block grant dollars. The restriction that leftover funds be used only for preparedness and mitigation aims to preserve disaster-readiness but limits how States can repurpose residual funds for other recovery needs.
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Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced May 7, 2025 by Jared Moskowitz · Last progress May 7, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House