Newhouse Statement on Federal Disaster Relief Reform Passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Newhouse released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 302, FAA Reauthorization Act, which included the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, to reform federal disaster programs to better account for severe impacts of natural disasters on rural communities.

"Expanding access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Program is critical for rural communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters," said Rep. Newhouse. "Current disaster aid rules deny much-needed help after rural areas are devastated, leaving residents to fend for themselves. This legislation directs FEMA to give greater consideration to severe local impacts of natural disasters and adjust FEMA policies accordingly."

Background:

Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration.

Rep. Newhouse previously worked on legislation to direct the Administrator of FEMA, in making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, to give greater weight and consideration to severe local impact of disasters. This same language was included in H.R. 302 passed today. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act provisions in H.R. 302 direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Administrator to give greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters: In making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall give greater consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters. Further, the Administrator shall make corresponding adjustments to the Agency's policies and regulations regarding such consideration. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the changes made to regulations and policies and the number of declarations that have been declared based on the new criteria. [Bill page 709]