Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies.

The Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any agencies providing disaster assistance must make available to the public on a quarterly basis information regarding (1) the total amount of assistance provided by the agency; (2) the amount provided that was expended or obligated; and (3) all projects or activities for which assistance was expended, obligated, or used.

Bill 118 hr 259, also known as the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to improve transparency and accountability in the distribution of post-disaster assistance funds.

The bill requires that all federal agencies responsible for distributing disaster assistance funds create and maintain a publicly accessible online database. This database must include information on the amount of funds allocated, the recipients of the funds, and the purpose for which the funds were used.

Additionally, the bill mandates that recipients of disaster assistance funds must report on how the funds were used within a certain timeframe. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements could result in penalties or the repayment of funds. Overall, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars allocated for disaster relief are used effectively and efficiently. By increasing transparency and accountability in the distribution of these funds, the bill seeks to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 259

Introduced on
2023-01-10

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/26/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies.

The Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any agencies providing disaster assistance must make available to the public on a quarterly basis information regarding (1) the total amount of assistance provided by the agency; (2) the amount provided that was expended or obligated; and (3) all projects or activities for which assistance was expended, obligated, or used.

Bill 118 hr 259, also known as the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to improve transparency and accountability in the distribution of post-disaster assistance funds.

The bill requires that all federal agencies responsible for distributing disaster assistance funds create and maintain a publicly accessible online database. This database must include information on the amount of funds allocated, the recipients of the funds, and the purpose for which the funds were used.

Additionally, the bill mandates that recipients of disaster assistance funds must report on how the funds were used within a certain timeframe. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements could result in penalties or the repayment of funds. Overall, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars allocated for disaster relief are used effectively and efficiently. By increasing transparency and accountability in the distribution of these funds, the bill seeks to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for an online repository for certain reporting requirements for recipients of Federal disaster assistance, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Emergency Management

Potential Impact
Disaster relief and insurance
Government information and archives
Natural disasters
Public-private cooperation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/22/2023

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies.

The Small Business Administration, the Department of...


Latest Action1/26/2023
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.