Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025
Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would ensure that disaster relief programs continue operating even if the federal government shuts down in 2026. It specifically provides emergency funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to keep critical disaster assistance programs running during any gap when regular government funding lapses. This includes continuing financial aid to disaster victims, paying FEMA staff working on emergency response and recovery, processing disaster grants, and maintaining ongoing disaster recovery projects. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects people recovering from federally-declared disasters and emergencies.
It also impacts FEMA employees working in disaster response and recovery efforts. More broadly, any community relying on federal disaster assistance—such as those dealing with hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or other major disasters—would be protected from losing aid if a shutdown occurs. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 5648) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Tim Moore (R-NC) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No specific timeline for further action has been announced.
CRS Official Summary
Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025This bill provides appropriations to continue certain disaster relief programs and activities during a government shutdown in FY2026.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for any period during FY2026 in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). The bill provides the appropriations for carrying out certain activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, includingproviding financial and operational support for declared major disasters and emergencies, including individual assistance, direct aid, and necessary life-saving and life-sustaining activities;covering the salaries and expenses of essential FEMA personnel directly involved in disaster response, recovery, mitigation; and grant disbursement; andcontinuing payments and grants for existing, federally-funded disaster recovery projects.The funds provided by this bill are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2027.The funds may not be used for or nonessential administrative functions, new policy development, or nondisaster-related training or travel.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.