This proposal would let FEMA skip “Buy American” rules during an emergency so certain U.S. territories and D.C. can get supplies faster. During an emergency declaration under the Stafford Act, FEMA could not require these areas to buy only U.S.-made goods for their own purchases or contracts. This is meant to speed up response by widening the pool of suppliers when time matters most .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
• What changes: FEMA cannot require “Buy American” rules for their purchases and contracts during emergencies, allowing them to buy needed goods from more sources .
• When it applies: Only during an official emergency declaration under the Stafford Act (not in normal times).