Sovereign States Emergency Management Act
Sponsored By: Representative Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
In Committee
Summary
abolishes FEMA and shifts federal disaster authority into a Treasury-run block grant model. The bill would move FEMA functions to the President and create a Disaster Relief Block Grant Program that sends formula-based funding to states tied to planning and reporting requirements.
Show full summary
- States would receive formula grants for preparedness training, response and recovery operations, and mitigation projects. Funds can only be used under an annual emergency management plan approved by the Treasury Secretary.
- Grants would be allocated by a Treasury rule that weighs population, a 20-year disaster history, geographic risk factors, and per-capita income. The program requires annual plans, outcome reports, and Treasury audits and reserves portions of program funds for administration and auditing.
- Federal governance would change: FEMA functions, personnel, and assets would transfer to the President two years after enactment, and unobligated FEMA funds on abolition would be transferred to the Treasury general fund to support the new program.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New state disaster relief block grants
The Treasury Department would give each State a disaster grant. Money could fund training and equipment, response and recovery, and projects to cut future risks. Treasury would set a formula by rule using population, 20 years of disaster history, risk, and per person income. Treasury must approve a State plan before money goes out. Plans would be due by April 1 for the fiscal year starting October 1. States must report within 90 days after each fiscal year on spending and results. A State could use no more than 5% of its grant for State admin costs. Of program funds, 10% would cover administration and 10% would cover audits. Treasury would prevent duplicate federal aid and would audit at least yearly. The program would end four years after Treasury issues the rule.
FEMA would end; President runs response
If enacted, FEMA would be abolished two years after enactment. On that date, the President would take over all FEMA duties, staff, equipment, and records. Any FEMA money not yet obligated would move to the Treasury’s general fund to support the new disaster block grants. All laws and rules that mention FEMA or its Administrator would be read to mean the President or the Executive Office of the President.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
LA • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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