Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act Summary **What it does:** This bill asks FEMA to simplify how it collects information from people and organizations applying for disaster assistance, aiming to reduce paperwork and make the process faster and less repetitive. The bill also requires FEMA to create a system for regularly tracking and reporting what federal disaster aid is being given out, and to study whether different agencies are duplicating each other's work when assessing disaster damage. **Who it affects:** Disaster victims and organizations seeking federal assistance would benefit from a simpler application process.
The bill also affects FEMA and other federal agencies involved in disaster response, as well as Congress, which will receive reports on the findings. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is moving through the legislative process. It focuses on improving government efficiency rather than changing who gets disaster aid or how much money is available.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination ActThis bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to streamline disaster information collection, convene a working group on preliminary damage assessments, and provide a report to Congress.FEMA must (1) conduct a study and develop a plan under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be made less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; and (2) develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on federal disaster assistance awarded.Additionally, not later than two years after enactment of the bill, FEMA must convene a working group on a regular basis to (1) identify potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations; (2) determine the applicability of having one federal agency make the assessments for all agencies; and (3) identify potential emerging technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments.FEMA must submit a comprehensive report on the plans for streamlining and consolidating information collection and the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress with a briefing. The report must be made available to the public and posted on FEMA's website.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.