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119-hr-2364119th CongressWALLET

Helene Small Business Recovery Act

Sponsored By: Representative Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]

In Committee

Summary

Gives the President authority to waive the federal ban on receiving duplicative disaster assistance so businesses and other entities harmed by 2023–2024 disasters can get overlapping federal help. The President may grant a waiver when it is in the public interest and will not lead to waste, fraud, or abuse, and must approve or deny a request within 45 days.

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  • Small businesses and disaster survivors: Can get additional federal aid even if they already received loans or other federal assistance for the same declared disaster. No income threshold can be used to block someone from qualifying for a waiver.
  • State executives and local claimants: A Governor can request a waiver on behalf of the State or on behalf of a person, business, or other entity harmed by the disaster.
  • Federal decision rules: The President may consider FEMA recommendations, cost effectiveness, equity, and other public policy factors, and may not deem a loan duplicative if all federal assistance is used toward a disaster loss.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More disaster aid for 2023–2024 survivors

This bill would let the President waive the rule that blocks "duplicate" federal disaster aid for President‑declared disasters in 2023 or 2024. A Governor would need to request the waiver for a state, person, business, or other entity with losses. The President would have to find it is in the public interest and decide within 45 days. No income test could be used for a waiver, and federal loans could not be treated as duplicate aid if all funds cover the loss. FEMA’s advice, cost‑effectiveness, equity, and similar factors could be considered.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2025

  • Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/27/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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