HR4669119th CongressWALLET

FEMA Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Graves

In Committee

Summary

FEMA becomes an independent, cabinet-level agency with a clarified all-hazards mission and consolidated federal leadership for preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and interoperable communications. The bill also rewrites large parts of the Stafford Act to speed repairs, expand assistance, strengthen mitigation, and publish new public dashboards for disaster spending and individual aid metrics.

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  • Families and disaster survivors: Expands housing help with a FEMA Emergency Home Repair program, authorizes direct repair assistance, and extends some temporary assistance periods from 18 to 24 months. Noncongregate sheltering can be provided without a fixed address and states cannot require a credit card for hoteling.
  • State, Tribal, and local governments and utilities: Creates expedited Section 409 grants for repairing public and qualifying nonprofit facilities with a Federal share floor of 75% and incentives up to 85% for resilience. Offers small-disaster block grants equal to 80% of the estimated Federal public assistance share and sets a Tribal hazard-mitigation minimum of $75.0 million per year.
  • Private nonprofits and houses of worship: Treats private nonprofits and houses of worship as eligible for assistance without regard to religious character and expands nonprofit closeout and eligibility parity with governments.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

29 provisions identified: 24 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

One application for many disaster programs

If enacted, FEMA would build a single web application to apply for many federal disaster programs. You could track your status and documents in one place. Agencies could only join after meeting strict data‑security and privacy rules and signing agreements with breach duties. FEMA could use limited, transparent waivers to collect needed info quickly, and GAO would review waiver risks within one year.

More disaster housing help for families

If enacted, disaster survivors could get direct money to repair an owner‑occupied primary home, utilities, and basic residential infrastructure when they cannot use other aid and lack resources. The President could also offer replacement help when a home is a total loss and replacement would cost less than repairs. Insurance money would not block short‑term displacement help, which would cover food, water, hygiene items, baby supplies, fuel, emergency supplies, hotels or motels, and stays with family or friends. For State‑managed housing aid, the federal share would be at least 75%, and States would need to share plan details and survivor choice where possible. FEMA would study renters’ access to aid and send a plan to Congress within 1 year.

Stronger renter and homeowner aid after disasters

If enacted, some temporary housing help would last up to 24 months, not 18. FEMA would have to consider local rent spikes when setting rental aid. More homes could qualify because the trigger changes to "damaged by a major disaster." People would not need a credit card or deposit to get approved non‑congregate sheltering. FEMA could not send a denial while your insurance claim is still pending. If you appeal and win (or FEMA erred), the Agency would reimburse your attorney’s fees, and FEMA must share the documents and reasons for decisions.

Upfront help to repair and harden homes

If enacted, the government could advance the full federal share to States for mitigation projects. FEMA would offer to advance the federal share to homeowners before work starts on resilience retrofits, like home elevations. It could also give direct help to households that lack resources for repairs or mitigation, without needing to show other means beyond insurance proceeds. Small emergency repairs up to habitability would be allowed so owners can safely shelter in place after a major disaster, subject to funding. FEMA would identify sheltering and housing options within 15 days of a disaster and issue final rules within two years.

FEMA becomes cabinet-level with oversight

If enacted, FEMA would become a cabinet‑level independent agency with a mission to reduce loss of life and property. The Administrator would lead national planning and response, oversee key teams and stockpiles, and integrate the needs of children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The Administrator must be a seasoned emergency manager, and FEMA would have an Inspector General. Many related functions would transfer into FEMA within one year, with help from DHS during the transition.

New rules for hazard mitigation funding

If enacted, hazard mitigation dollars would be split by a set formula: 40% equally to eligible States; 20% by infrastructure risk; 20% by higher population and lower median income; and 20% by approved projects in distressed or rural areas. States would need to pass at least 50% of their funds to local governments within 60 days. Tribal governments would get no less than $75,000,000 each year. Funds for the same project could be combined across programs, and unused management funds could be reused for up to 5 years for capacity‑building and preparedness. Electric utilities could pair mitigation work with emergency power restoration and still qualify for mitigation aid. A mitigation loan program description would add “resilience” and change a program threshold from 2 to 4.

Preapproved mitigation plans for higher match

If enacted, States and Tribes would need to submit preapproved mitigation project plans within three years to qualify for a higher federal share. Plans must list projects, describe them, and estimate costs. A peer panel would recommend decisions within three months, and the President would act within one month after recommendations. Missing the deadline would make a jurisdiction ineligible for the higher share.

No income test for DOB waivers

If enacted, people seeking a duplication‑of‑benefits waiver would not face an income threshold. This would apply to disasters declared on or after January 1, 2016. It would not change rules for Sections 406, 408, or 409.

Pilot grants for home resilience upgrades

If enacted, FEMA would run a pilot to help pay for home resilience retrofits, like floodproofing, safe rooms, seismic, wildfire, and wind upgrades. The pilot must start within one year and ends September 30, 2028. It would prioritize people who show financial need and may use up to 10% of annual Section 203 funds.

Protect FEMA workers’ pay and staffing

If enacted, employees moved into the new Agency would keep their grade and pay for 1 year after transfer. Leaders reappointed without a break would keep at least their prior Executive Schedule rate. FEMA would study hiring and retention in noncontiguous communities, brief Congress within 6 months, and update policies to fix staffing problems.

Public dashboards and data on disaster aid

If enacted, FEMA would post public dashboards after disasters showing project costs, timelines, and decisions, plus an Individual Assistance dashboard with approvals, denials, and top denial reasons. Agencies would publish quarterly, machine‑readable data on disaster spending by project. FEMA would study nationwide mitigation results, with the first report due in 18 months, public data in two years, and yearly updates.

Direct fire assistance for Tribal governments

If enacted, Tribal governments could request fire management help directly from FEMA and receive grants and resources. The program would cover assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety, even outside the incident period. The President would need to update the rules within 1 year after consulting with Tribal governments. If a Tribal direct request is not granted, State‑requested eligibility would still be preserved.

Faster pay and simpler debris rules

If enacted, emergency‑work reimbursements would be paid within 120 days after a request, when the President finds at least 90% of estimated costs are eligible. The President would be barred from adding extra requirements for debris removal beyond what the law already lists. FEMA would need to update guidance and finish a debris‑contracting best‑practices review within 1 year. Owners and operators of eligible private nonprofit facilities would be treated like State and local governments for closeout rules.

Faster reviews and less disaster paperwork

If enacted, FEMA would set up a unified review to speed environmental and historic checks within 1 year. One review could cover all agencies, with a 45–60 day public comment window and a final decision within 90 days after the final statement. Within 2 years, FEMA would plan to cut paperwork for applicants, post award data on a public website, and form a group to streamline damage assessments. FEMA would need to act on the group’s recommendations within 180 days.

Faster reviews for same-site disaster repairs

If enacted, repair or replacement work done in the same place would not count as a major NEPA action. Some permits could be allowed on notice, and historic and endangered species reviews could be expedited for repairs. States could take over FEMA’s environmental and historic reviews if they meet safeguards and accept audits and liability. FEMA must issue rules in 180 days.

Keep FEMA programs running during move

If enacted, older legal mentions of FEMA and its leaders would point to the new Agency so programs keep working. Existing orders, permits, contracts, and cases would continue during the transition. Some grant programs would stay in the Department of Homeland Security during the shift, with an agreement so FEMA runs them and may charge DHS an administration fee.

More weight for rural and distressed areas

If enacted, FEMA would have to factor in whether affected places are economically distressed or rural when recommending disaster declarations. If Section 409 aid is authorized for such areas, the President would be directed to provide Section 408 aid too. FEMA would update policies and guidance to follow this.

Reimburse housing for responders and pumping

If enacted, FEMA could reimburse governments for sheltering emergency responders when damage disrupts normal services, for up to six months after the incident period ends. Owners and operators of stormwater pumping stations could be reimbursed for flood‑fighting work at equipment rates, including temporary and permanent setups.

Review disaster timing and fast-moving events

If enacted, FEMA would convene a panel within six months to review how incident periods are set, including slow‑onset and compound disasters. An interim report is due in one year, a final report in two years, and rulemaking would follow after a 30‑day congressional review. FEMA would also set up a group within 90 days to study fast‑moving disasters, with best practices due in one year.

Simpler forms and contracting for grants

If enacted, FEMA must create a single hazard mitigation grant form within 180 days to reduce paperwork and speed payments. Local governments would be treated like States for certain federal procurement rules when using Stafford Act funds. These changes aim to speed agreements and contracting.

Small disaster block grants for States

If enacted, a State or Tribe could choose a one‑time block grant equal to 80% of the estimated federal share for a small disaster. They must pick the option when seeking the declaration and agree on the amount within 90 days. FEMA would approve within 90 days of a complete application and send funds within 30 days after approval. Choosing this option would replace regular Public Assistance for that disaster.

Task force to close disaster backlog

If enacted, FEMA would create a task force to cut its backlog of declared disasters. The task force must deliver results within one year and then end. FEMA must brief Congress within 180 days and every six months until 800 disasters are closed. A disaster can be closed once 90% of approved costs are validated. The Comptroller General would review within two years.

More crisis counseling, with admin caps

If enacted, crisis counseling after disasters would clearly cover substance and alcohol use, along with private mental health care. FEMA would review application changes and report to Congress within 180 days. Admin pay would be capped: up to 12% for a grantee under one program, and up to 15% combined for grantee and subgrantee under others.

Shift to faster public facility grants

If enacted, FEMA could issue faster grants to repair or replace public and qualifying nonprofit facilities after a major disaster. FEMA would review cost estimates within 90 days and make funds available within 30 days after approval, with a federal share of at least 75% (possible incentives up to 85% or reductions to 65% for failing required mitigation). Applicants must submit estimates within 5 years unless extended. Also, no new Section 406 applications could be approved if filed 180 days after enactment, and much of Section 406 would end on December 31, 2032. Applicants who filed before enactment could choose the new Section 409 grant instead.

FEMA working capital fund and fees

If enacted, FEMA would create a revolving working capital fund to run shared facilities. FEMA could charge fees that cover full operating costs and accept advance payments when needed. During transition, FEMA could take over related DHS assets and balances. These steps could raise or shift costs for agencies and other facility users.

No disaster aid bias by politics

If enacted, FEMA could not deny or reduce disaster help because of your political affiliation. This would add politics to the list of protected traits when FEMA decides eligibility and aid.

Clear definitions for disasters and reporting

If enacted, the bill would set standard definitions for terms like catastrophic incident, State, local government, Tribal government, and vulnerable populations with access and functional needs. It would also define which agencies, assistance types, and recipients must report disaster data. These definitions guide how programs and transparency rules would work.

Veterans Advocate to improve disaster help

If enacted, FEMA would designate a Veterans Advocate. The Advocate would join disaster declaration processes, work with veterans’ groups, and promote hiring of veterans, including reservists. This would not create new benefits on its own but aims to improve access and fairness.

Use two latest building codes

If enacted, FEMA programs would use the two most recent editions of consensus codes and standards, including local or Tribal amendments. The hazard mitigation revolving loan fund would implement these editions. This could raise some project costs but aims to improve safety and resilience.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Graves

MO • R

Cosponsors

  • Larsen (WA)

    WA • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Webster (FL)

    FL • R

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Stanton

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 7/23/2025

  • Rouzer

    NC • R

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

  • Ezell

    MS • R

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

  • Edwards

    NC • R

    Sponsored 8/1/2025

  • Haridopolos

    FL • R

    Sponsored 8/12/2025

  • Thompson (CA)

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/12/2025

  • Friedman

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/12/2025

  • Carter (GA)

    GA • R

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Fine

    FL • R

    Sponsored 9/2/2025

  • Cole

    OK • R

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Moskowitz

    FL • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

  • Riley (NY)

    NY • D

    Sponsored 9/9/2025

  • Fitzpatrick

    PA • R

    Sponsored 9/9/2025

  • McBath

    GA • D

    Sponsored 9/10/2025

  • Bilirakis

    FL • R

    Sponsored 9/10/2025

  • Guthrie

    KY • R

    Sponsored 9/15/2025

  • Gillen

    NY • D

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

  • Calvert

    CA • R

    Sponsored 9/19/2025

  • Bergman

    MI • R

    Sponsored 9/19/2025

  • Alford

    MO • R

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

  • Davis (NC)

    NC • D

    Sponsored 9/26/2025

  • Vasquez

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/30/2025

  • Mann

    KS • R

    Sponsored 10/3/2025

  • Huizenga

    MI • R

    Sponsored 10/3/2025

  • Vindman

    VA • D

    Sponsored 10/8/2025

  • Bell

    MO • D

    Sponsored 10/17/2025

  • Bynum

    OR • D

    Sponsored 10/17/2025

  • Walberg

    MI • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Dunn (FL)

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Harrigan

    NC • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Franklin, Scott

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Grothman

    WI • R

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Cammack

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Fields

    LA • D

    Sponsored 11/7/2025

  • Miller (WV)

    WV • R

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Soto

    FL • D

    Sponsored 12/2/2025

  • Timmons

    SC • R

    Sponsored 12/5/2025

  • Bishop

    GA • D

    Sponsored 12/9/2025

  • Pappas

    NH • D

    Sponsored 12/18/2025

  • Yakym

    IN • R

    Sponsored 1/7/2026

  • Wilson (SC)

    SC • R

    Sponsored 1/8/2026

  • Bresnahan

    PA • R

    Sponsored 1/21/2026

  • Steube

    FL • R

    Sponsored 1/21/2026

  • Suozzi

    NY • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2026

  • Murphy

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2026

  • Schrier

    WA • D

    Sponsored 1/27/2026

  • Balderson

    OH • R

    Sponsored 1/27/2026

  • Langworthy

    NY • R

    Sponsored 1/27/2026

  • Ross

    NC • D

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • Figures

    AL • D

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • Moore (NC)

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • Lee (FL)

    FL • R

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • Begich

    AK • R

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • LaLota

    NY • R

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

  • Smith (WA)

    WA • D

    Sponsored 2/2/2026

  • Carey

    OH • R

    Sponsored 2/4/2026

  • Scott, David

    GA • D

    Sponsored 2/25/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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