Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025
Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would allow FEMA to continue spending money from its Disaster Relief Fund during a government shutdown. Currently, when Congress fails to pass a budget and the government shuts down, FEMA stops using these funds even if money is available. Under this bill, FEMA could keep disbursing disaster relief money that was already appropriated before the shutdown occurred, covering assistance for disaster victims, emergency operations, and recovery programs.
The bill would also allow FEMA employees necessary to process these payments to continue working during a shutdown. **Who It Affects** This legislation primarily affects disaster victims and communities waiting for FEMA assistance during a shutdown. It also impacts FEMA employees who would be allowed to work without pay during the shutdown period. More broadly, any state or individual receiving federal disaster relief funding would be protected from delays caused by a government shutdown. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue using certain funds in the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).Specifically, FEMA must continue obligating and disbursing funds in the DRF that were appropriated before the lapse in appropriations and remain available to be expended. The funds may be used for any disaster relief, emergency assistance, and recovery program authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, including individual assistance, public assistance, and other disbursements and obligations for programs or activities necessary to protect life and property during a lapse in appropriations.The bill also requires employees who are necessary to carry out these disbursements or related program activities to be treated as excepted employees under the Anti-Deficiency Act. (Excepted employees are required to work during a lapse in appropriations.) The bill also prohibits these employees from being subject to a furlough or a reduction in force due to a lapse in appropriations.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.