Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025
2/7/2025, 4:38 AM
Status of Legislation
Purpose and Summary
Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025
This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.
The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims.
Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:
- authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources,
- expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities,
- extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,
- authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and
- authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster.
Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.
The bill outlines the process for requesting and receiving disaster assistance, including the criteria for determining eligibility and the types of assistance that can be provided. It also establishes guidelines for the President to follow when declaring a major disaster and allocating resources to affected areas.
In addition to providing assistance to States and Indian Tribes, the bill also includes provisions for coordinating disaster response efforts between federal, state, and local agencies. This includes establishing communication protocols, sharing resources, and coordinating relief efforts to ensure a timely and effective response to disasters. Overall, Bill 119 hr 316 is aimed at improving the federal government's ability to respond to natural disasters and provide much-needed assistance to communities in need. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination between all levels of government to ensure a comprehensive and efficient disaster recovery process.
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Recent Activity
Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025
This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair,...
The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims.
Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:
- authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources,
- expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities,
- extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,
- authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and
- authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster.
Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.