0
0

A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants, and for other purposes.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 443

Bill 119 s 443, also known as the Tribal Disaster Assistance Act, aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants. Currently, tribal governments must go through state governments to request such assistance, which can cause delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

This bill seeks to streamline the process for tribal governments to receive assistance for managing wildfires on their lands. By allowing them to directly request assistance, tribal governments can more effectively and efficiently respond to wildfires and protect their communities.

In addition to allowing direct requests for fire management assistance, the bill also includes provisions for grants to support tribal governments in their efforts to prevent and respond to wildfires. This funding will help tribal governments improve their fire management capabilities and better protect their lands and communities. Overall, the Tribal Disaster Assistance Act aims to empower Indian tribal governments to take control of their fire management efforts and ensure they have the resources and support needed to effectively respond to wildfires. This bill is an important step towards improving disaster response and resilience in tribal communities.

Congressional Summary of S 443

Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act

This bill allows Indian tribal governments to directly participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program, as opposed to participating through states.

Currently, only states may submit requests to FEMA for declarations authorizing FMAG assistance, and Indian tribal governments affected by a fire must use a state’s authorization to receive FMAG assistance. The bill authorizes Indian tribal governments to submit FMAG declaration requests directly to FEMA and receive FMAG assistance under their own declarations. Indian tribal governments may still choose instead to receive FMAG assistance under an authorization requested by a state.

Also, the bill requires FEMA to update its FMAG regulations within one year after enactment to carry out the bill.

Current Status of Bill S 443

Bill S 443 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill S 443 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 6, 2025.  Bill S 443's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of February 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 443

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 443

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 443

A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants, and for other purposes.

Comments

Latest Bills

A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.
Bill S 4814July 6, 2026
Protecting Americans’ Retirement Savings From Politics Act
Bill HR 8286July 6, 2026
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1181) to prohibit payment card networks and covered entities from requiring the use of or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general-merchandise retailer or sporting-goods retailer, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 9022) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 9237) to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, and other Federal laws, to improve benefits for veterans and the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Bill HRES 1377July 6, 2026
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8800) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8884) to amend title II of the Social Security Act to reauthorize demonstration authority for the disability insurance program; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1383) commemorating the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts; and for other purposes.
Bill HRES 1398July 6, 2026
Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Bill HRES 1383July 6, 2026
To amend the Military Land Withdrawals Act of 2013 to withdraw and reserve certain public land in the vicinity of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Bill HR 8686July 6, 2026
Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act
Bill HR 425July 6, 2026
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
Bill HR 8800July 6, 2026
National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027
Bill HR 8595July 6, 2026
Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act
Bill HR 8884July 6, 2026