Sponsors (2)
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Allows the President to waive the normal ban on receiving duplicative federal disaster assistance when a Governor requests it on behalf of a state or an individual/entity, if the waiver is in the public interest and will not cause waste, fraud, or abuse. The President must grant or deny the request within 45 days, may consider FEMA and other agencies' input, cannot apply income limits to eligibility, and may not count certain loans as duplication so long as funds are used for disaster losses. The change applies to disasters declared on or after January 1, 2016 and excludes certain specified Stafford Act provisions. Requires FEMA, working with other federal agencies, to report to congressional committees within one year (and update within four years) on actions to improve delivery of disaster assistance, including coordination, sequencing, common interpretations, and applicant communications.
The bill increases and speeds disaster relief—making loans usable and protecting low/moderate-income eligibility—at the cost of higher federal spending and greater administrative complexity with risks of uneven or unfair distribution of aid.
State governments, homeowners, and small businesses will be able to receive additional federal assistance more quickly after disasters because FEMA waivers can allow duplicative aid and waiver decisions must be made within 45 days.
Homeowners and small businesses will retain access to federal loans as a recovery tool because loans used for disaster loss will not be treated as duplicative aid.
Low- and moderate-income disaster survivors will remain eligible for duplicative federal assistance because the bill prohibits income thresholds for waiver eligibility.
All taxpayers could face higher federal spending and fiscal costs because allowing duplicative federal assistance increases program outlays.
State governments, homeowners, and small businesses could experience inconsistent or unfair access to duplicative aid and some needy households could be bypassed because the waiver standard is broad and gives wide discretion.
Federal and state agencies could face increased administrative complexity and coordination burdens, raising costs, paperwork, and potential delays for aid delivery.
Introduced March 25, 2025 by David Rouzer · Last progress March 25, 2025