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Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 259

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 259

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 259

Bill HR 259 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since January 26, 2023. Bill HR 259 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 10, 2023.  Bill HR 259's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of January 26, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 259

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 259

Primary Policy Focus

Emergency Management

Potential Impact Areas

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

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 259

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act
Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act
Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act
To provide for an online repository for certain reporting requirements for recipients of Federal disaster assistance, and for other purposes.

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