FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
In Committee
Summary
continuous FEMA disaster operations during funding lapses. This bill would let FEMA keep disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation work running if regular appropriations lapse. It authorizes use of Disaster Relief Fund balances and deems those operations essential and exempt from shutdown restrictions under the Anti-Deficiency Act.
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- Families and disaster survivors: Would preserve access to individual and public assistance after disasters so claims can be processed and payments made without interruption.
- State and local disaster programs: Keeps funding available for ongoing and future disaster declarations so recovery and mitigation projects can continue.
- FEMA staff and contractors: Requires FEMA to maintain personnel and contract capacity to process claims and pay benefits. It also allows obligating unobligated Disaster Relief Fund balances and prohibits diverting those balances except to comply with the Anti-Deficiency Act.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FEMA disaster aid would keep running
If enacted, FEMA would keep disaster help flowing during a federal funding lapse. You could still get individual and public aid for any active or new federal disaster. FEMA could use leftover money in the Disaster Relief Fund to obligate and pay claims, and keep staff and contractors working. These operations would be treated as essential and exempt from shutdown limits. Disaster Relief Fund money generally could not be withheld or moved during a lapse, except if required by the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341).
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
MO • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 10/21/2025
Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]
LA • D
Sponsored 10/21/2025
Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
AL • D
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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