FEMA Independence Act of 2025
FEMA Independence Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FEMA Independence Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would make FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) an independent agency that reports directly to the President, rather than being part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as it currently is. The FEMA Director would automatically become a Cabinet-level position, meaning they would have a permanent seat at the President's table and be confirmed by the Senate. The bill also transfers certain grant programs related to protecting communities and nonprofits from terrorism from FEMA to DHS.
FEMA would have one year to complete the transition and would keep its 10 regional offices and existing responsibilities for disaster response and emergency management. **Who It Affects** This change would primarily affect FEMA employees and leadership, as well as state and local emergency management officials who work with FEMA. Communities relying on FEMA disaster assistance, nonprofit organizations receiving counterterrorism protection grants, and the federal agencies involved in emergency management would also be impacted by the reorganization. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
FEMA Independence Act of 2025This bill establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency in the executive branch. It also transfers from FEMA to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certain grant programs for protecting communities and nonprofits from terrorist attacks.The bill removes FEMA from DHS. FEMA’s existing functions as a DHS component must transfer to FEMA as an independent agency within one year after the bill’s enactment. The independent FEMA generally retains its existing mission, authorities, and functions. FEMA continues to have 10 regional offices.The bill requires FEMA to be headed by a Director who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and reports directly to the President as a Cabinet member. (Under current law, the President may designate the FEMA Administrator as a Cabinet member in the event of a disaster.) The Director must have knowledge of emergency management and homeland security and five years of leadership experience in each the public sector and the private sector. The President may appoint up to four Deputy Directors.The bill also establishes within FEMA an Office of the Inspector General.Also, the bill transfers from FEMA to DHS the authority to administer the Homeland Security Grant Program, Urban Area Security Initiative, and Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.