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Wildfire Response Improvement Act
3/15/2025, 8:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1393
The primary goal of this legislation is to improve the overall effectiveness of FEMA's mitigation efforts by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely on projects that provide the greatest benefit in terms of reducing the risk and impact of disasters. By conducting a comprehensive review of the current criteria used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mitigation projects, FEMA will be better equipped to prioritize and fund projects that offer the greatest return on investment in terms of reducing the potential damage and loss caused by natural disasters.
In addition to directing FEMA to conduct a review of its cost-effectiveness criteria, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to improving the agency's mitigation efforts. These additional purposes are not specified in the summary provided, but may include measures to enhance coordination with state and local governments, improve data collection and analysis, and strengthen partnerships with other federal agencies and stakeholders involved in disaster mitigation efforts. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1393 represents a bipartisan effort to enhance the effectiveness of FEMA's mitigation programs and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently to reduce the impact of natural disasters on communities across the United States. By conducting a review of its cost-effectiveness criteria and implementing any necessary improvements, FEMA will be better positioned to prioritize and fund mitigation projects that offer the greatest benefit in terms of reducing the risk and impact of disasters.
Congressional Summary of HR 1393
Wildfire Response Improvement Act
This bill expands certain wildfire management assistance to beyond the time when the fire occurs and requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update various programmatic guidance relating to wildfire response and cost-effectiveness criteria for wildfire mitigation projects.
Currently, in general, government entities’ costs for fighting wildfires are only eligible for assistance under the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Program if the costs are incurred during the incident period (i.e., time during which the fire occurs). The bill requires FEMA to modify the FMAG Program so that assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety are eligible for FMAG assistance regardless of when the incident period begins or ends.
The bill also requires FEMA to review and update its evaluation criteria for the cost-effectiveness of wildfire mitigation projects proposed under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and prioritize projects accordingly.
Additionally, FEMA must update its policy guide for the Public Assistance program to include guidance on challenges with wildfire recovery, including the resulting toxicity of drinking water resources.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1393
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1393
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
2Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1393
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1393
Comments
Remington McLeod
8 months ago
This bill, it make it harder for people like me in ME to get help when wildfires happen. It not fair. We need better support for communities affected by wildfires. This bill, it not good for us. #WildfireResponseImprovementAct #BigPicture
