FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025
FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow FEMA to continue operating its disaster relief and recovery programs during a government shutdown (when Congress fails to pass a budget). Currently, when funding lapses, FEMA's ability to process disaster claims and payments can be interrupted. The bill would ensure that FEMA can keep using money from its Disaster Relief Fund to help people and communities affected by natural disasters, maintain its workforce, and process insurance claims without interruption, even if the government shuts down. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects disaster victims waiting for federal aid and communities recovering from hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
It also affects FEMA employees and contractors who process these claims. More broadly, it impacts any state or locality relying on federal disaster assistance. **Key Provision:** The main provision requires that unused Disaster Relief Fund money remain available to FEMA during a shutdown and cannot be frozen or redirected for other purposes. This ensures continuity of disaster relief operations regardless of congressional budget negotiations. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress) and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue certain disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation operations during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).Specifically, the bill authorizes FEMA tocontinue all disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation operations funded through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF);obligate and disburse DRF balances for all existing and future disaster declarations, including individual and public assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; andmaintain personnel and contract support necessary to ensure uninterrupted processing of claims and payments.The bill also (1) requires all unobligated balances in the DRF to remain available to FEMA for expenditure during a lapse in appropriations; and (2) prohibits the funds from being withheld, sequestered, or reprogrammed during a lapse in appropriations, except as necessary to comply with the Antideficiency Act.Finally, the bill specifies that, for the purposes of the Antideficiency Act, the FEMA operations authorized by this bill must be considered essential to protect human life and property and are exempt from government shutdown restrictions.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.