Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
In Committee
Summary
Explicitly covers substance use and alcohol use disorders in federal disaster counseling. The bill would expand the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training program under the Stafford Act so crisis counseling after a major disaster can include services for substance use and alcohol use problems tied to the event or its aftermath.
Show full summary
- Disaster survivors and families: People affected by a major disaster would be eligible for crisis counseling that addresses substance use and alcohol use problems caused or worsened by the disaster. This adds these issues to the program’s listed scope.
- FEMA and program applicants: The bill would require FEMA’s Administrator to review and update the Section 416 application process and related guidance within 180 days in consultation with federal and state substance use experts.
- State agencies and providers: State alcohol and drug agencies and the federal substance use offices must be consulted, which could change how local providers deliver and apply for disaster-related substance use services.
- Oversight and accountability: The Government Accountability Office would be asked to review the program and report to Congress on how long assistance lasts and whether services comply with the rule that they address problems caused or aggravated by a disaster.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Addiction and alcohol help after disasters
This bill would add "substance use" and "alcohol use" to the Stafford Act crisis counseling program. If enacted, you would be able to get crisis counseling for substance or alcohol problems. The help would only cover problems caused or made worse by a major disaster or its aftermath. The change would take effect upon enactment. Within 180 days of enactment, FEMA would have to update the Section 416 application process in consultation with federal and State substance-use officials. The Government Accountability Office would also review how long assistance lasts and whether the program sticks to its disaster-related scope and report to Congress.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
VT • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]
HI • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]
LA • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Carson, Andre [D-IN-7]
IN • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
FL • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]
CA • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13]
IL • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
KS • D
Sponsored 11/21/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 12/1/2025
Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
WA • D
Sponsored 12/3/2025
Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
FL • D
Sponsored 1/15/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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