To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement certain recommendations made by the Comptroller General with respect to disaster recovery, and for other purposes.

6/11/2024, 4:09 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8456

Bill 118 hr 8456, also known as the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster recovery efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill requires the Administrator of FEMA and the Secretary of HUD to implement specific recommendations made by the Comptroller General to enhance disaster recovery processes.

Some key provisions of the bill include:

1. Streamlining the disaster recovery process: The bill seeks to simplify and expedite the process for individuals and communities to receive assistance following a disaster. This includes reducing bureaucratic red tape and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. 2. Enhancing coordination between FEMA and HUD: The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between FEMA and HUD in disaster recovery efforts. By working together, these agencies can better address the needs of individuals and communities affected by disasters. 3. Improving transparency and accountability: The bill includes measures to increase transparency in how disaster recovery funds are allocated and spent. This will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and that those in need are receiving the assistance they require. Overall, Bill 118 hr 8456 aims to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to and recover from disasters by implementing recommendations for improvement in disaster recovery processes. By enhancing coordination between FEMA and HUD, streamlining the recovery process, and increasing transparency and accountability, the bill seeks to better support individuals and communities in their time of need.

Congressional Summary of HR 8456

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to take any actions that may be necessary to implement the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO’s) priority recommendations within the report titled Disaster Recovery: Actions Needed to Improve the Federal Approach, which was published on November 15, 2022. In the report, the GAO recommends that FEMA and HUD better manage fragmentation between their disaster recovery programs and other federal programs, and that FEMA better manage fragmentation across FEMA’s own disaster recovery programs.

Current Status of Bill HR 8456

Bill HR 8456 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 17, 2024. Bill HR 8456 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 17, 2024. Bill HR 8456's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of May 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8456

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8456

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8456

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement certain recommendations made by the Comptroller General with respect to disaster recovery, and for other purposes.