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Reforming Disaster Recovery Act
3/8/2023, 7:58 PM
Summary of Bill HR 4707
One of the main provisions of the bill is the establishment of a centralized online portal for disaster assistance applications, which would make it easier for individuals and communities to access the help they need in the aftermath of a disaster. The bill also includes measures to ensure that disaster funds are used appropriately and that recipients are held accountable for how the money is spent.
Additionally, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act seeks to improve coordination between different levels of government by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work more closely with state and local agencies in the planning and execution of disaster response efforts. This would help to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that assistance reaches those who need it most. Overall, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act represents a bipartisan effort to address the shortcomings of the current disaster recovery system and to better prepare the country for future emergencies. By implementing these reforms, the bill aims to make the process of recovering from disasters smoother and more effective for all those affected.
Congressional Summary of HR 4707
Reforming Disaster Recovery Act
This bill addresses the response of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to disasters.
The bill establishes the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency at HUD to coordinate HUD disaster preparedness and response responsibilities. The office must also coordinate with other federal agencies in supporting recovery and resiliency activities.
Further, the bill creates the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund to fund the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. The program must provide states, tribes, and communities with grants for rebuilding affordable housing and infrastructure after a disaster. Grantees are required to certify that funds will be administered in compliance with specified fair housing and civil rights laws. Grantees must also prioritize assistance for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income victims of disasters, as well as other vulnerable groups.
The bill also provides for increased data sharing regarding disasters, including by requiring HUD to share data with other federal agencies regarding disaster benefits and by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration to share data on disaster benefit applicants with HUD.
