H.R. 4669

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4669 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4669

To authorize and improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 
reform Federal disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and 
recovery, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 23, 2025

Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Webster of 
Florida, and Mr. Stanton) introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in 
addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To authorize and improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 
reform Federal disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and 
recovery, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fixing Emergency 
Management for Americans Act of 2025'' or the ``FEMA Act of 2025''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
DIVISION A--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEMA AS CABINET-LEVEL INDEPENDENT AGENCY

TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Sec. 11. Establishment of independent agency.
Sec. 12. Administrator; Deputy Administrator; other officials of the 
Agency.
Sec. 13. Authority and responsibilities.
Sec. 14. Office of the Inspector General.
Sec. 15. Transfer of functions.
Sec. 16. Personnel and other transfers.
Sec. 17. Saving provisions.
Sec. 18. References.
Sec. 19. Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund.
Sec. 20. Improving disaster assistance for veterans.
TITLE II--OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Sec. 21. National emergency management.
TITLE III--RELATED MATTERS

Sec. 31. Changes to administrative documents.
Sec. 32. Recommended legislation.
DIVISION B--FEMA REFORMS

TITLE I--PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REFORMS

Sec. 101. Rebuilding public infrastructure.
Sec. 102. Task force to address backlog of open declared disasters.
Sec. 103. Disaster declaration damage thresholds.
Sec. 104. Federal permitting improvement.
Sec. 105. Unified Federal review.
Sec. 106. Block grants for small disasters.
Sec. 107. Common sense debris removal.
Sec. 108. Disaster management costs modernization.
Sec. 109. Streamlining and consolidating information collection and 
preliminary damage assessments.
Sec. 110. Reasonable incident periods.
Sec. 111. Fire management assistance program policy.
Sec. 112. Indian tribal government eligibility.
Sec. 113. Strengthening closeouts for critical services.
Sec. 114. Sheltering of emergency response personnel.
Sec. 115. Emergency protective measures to fight flooding damage.
Sec. 116. Fairness and accountability in appeals.
Sec. 117. Expedited funding for emergency work.
Sec. 118. Consistency in procurement practices.
TITLE II--INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE REFORMS

Sec. 201. Information sharing for Federal agencies.
Sec. 202. Universal application for individual assistance.
Sec. 203. Clarifying duplication of benefits.
Sec. 204. Crisis counseling and addiction in disasters.
Sec. 205. Repair and rebuilding.
Sec. 206. FEMA emergency home repair program.
Sec. 207. Direct assistance.
Sec. 208. Accurate information to disaster victims.
Sec. 209. Improved notices for FEMA assistance.
Sec. 210. Common sense displacement assistance for disaster victims.
Sec. 211. State-managed housing authority.
Sec. 212. Improved rental assistance.
Sec. 213. Online guides for postdisaster assistance.
Sec. 214. Clarifying sheltering assistance eligibility.
Sec. 215. Access to lifesaving non-congregate sheltering.
Sec. 216. Assistance for total loss.
TITLE III--MITIGATION REFORMS

Sec. 301. Preapproved project mitigation plans.
Sec. 302. Reducing disaster costs and protecting lives.
Sec. 303. Resilient buildings and communities.
Sec. 304. Strengthening hazard risk reduction.
Sec. 305. Utility resiliency.
Sec. 306. Additional amendments to hazard mitigation revolving loan 
fund.
Sec. 307. Streamlined hazard mitigation application process.
Sec. 308. Study and report on mitigation benefits.
TITLE IV--TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Sec. 401. GAO review of FEMA transition.
Sec. 402. Transparency and online accountability.
Sec. 403. Prohibition on political discrimination.
Sec. 404. Review of burdensome regulations and policies.
Sec. 405. Report on assistance to individuals.
Sec. 406. Individual assistance dashboard.
Sec. 407. GAO report on preliminary damage assessments.
Sec. 408. Improved rental assistance.
Sec. 409. GAO assessment on identity theft and disaster fraud in 
disaster assistance programs.
Sec. 410. GAO study on insurance utilization for public assistance-
eligible facilities.
Sec. 411. Study on wildfire management plans.
Sec. 412. Effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal 
alerting systems.
Sec. 413. GAO review of management costs.
Sec. 414. Report on coordination of disaster assistance to individuals.
Sec. 415. GAO review of cost savings associated with repair and 
rebuilding reforms.
Sec. 416. Transparency for disaster declarations.
Sec. 417. Fast-moving disasters working group.
Sec. 418. Public assistance dashboard.
Sec. 419. Improving disaster workforce retention.

DIVISION A--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEMA AS CABINET-LEVEL INDEPENDENT AGENCY

TITLE I--ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

SEC. 11. ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT AGENCY.

(a) In General.--The Federal Emergency Management Agency is 
established as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the 
executive branch.
(b) Mission.--The primary mission of the Agency is to reduce the 
loss of life and property of the Nation from all hazards, including 
natural disasters and manmade disasters, by leading and supporting the 
Nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, 
response, recovery, and mitigation.
(c) Specific Activities.--In support of the primary mission of the 
Agency, the Administrator of the Agency shall--
(1) lead the Nation's efforts to prepare for, respond to, 
recover from, and mitigate against the risk of natural 
disasters and manmade disasters, including catastrophic 
incidents;
(2) to build a national system of emergency management that 
can effectively and efficiently use the full measure of the 
Nation's resources to respond to natural disasters and manmade 
disasters, including catastrophic incidents, partner with--
(A) State, local, and Tribal governments;
(B) emergency response providers;
(C) other Federal agencies;
(D) the private sector; and
(E) nongovernmental organizations;
(3) develop a Federal response capability that, when 
necessary and appropriate, can act effectively and rapidly to 
deliver assistance essential to saving lives or protecting or 
preserving property or public health and safety in a natural 
disaster or manmade disaster;
(4) integrate the emergency preparedness, response, 
recovery, and mitigation responsibilities of the Agency to 
confront effectively the challenges of a natural disaster or 
manmade disaster;
(5) develop and maintain robust Regional Offices, inclusive 
of regional disability integration specialists, that work with 
State, local, and Tribal governments, emergency response 
providers, and other appropriate entities to identify and 
address regional priorities;
(6) provide funding, training, exercises, technical 
assistance, planning, and other assistance to build the Tribal, 
local, State, regional, and national capabilities (including 
communications capabilities) necessary to respond to a natural 
disaster or manmade disaster;
(7) develop and coordinate the implementation of an all-
hazards strategy for preparedness that builds the common 
capabilities necessary to respond to natural disasters and 
manmade disasters while also building the unique capabilities 
necessary to respond to specific types of incidents that pose 
the greatest risk to our Nation; and
(8) identify, integrate, and implement the needs of 
children, including children within underserved communities, 
individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations 
with access and functional needs, into activities to prepare 
for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the risk of 
natural disasters and other disasters, including catastrophic 
incidents, including by appointing a technical expert, who may 
consult with relevant outside organizations and experts, as 
necessary, to coordinate such integration, as necessary.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Catastrophic incident.--The term ``catastrophic 
incident'' means any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or 
other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of 
casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the 
population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, 
environment, economy, national morale, or government functions 
in an area.
(2) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical 
infrastructure'' has the meaning given that term in section 
1016(e) of Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
(3) Local government.--The term local government means--
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township, 
local public authority, school district, special 
district, intrastate district, council of governments 
(regardless of whether the council of governments is 
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State 
law), regional or interstate government entity, or 
agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal 
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska 
Regional Native Corporation; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or 
village, or other public entity.
(4) Resources.--The term ``resources'' means personnel and 
major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or 
potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act 
of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the 
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any 
possession of the United States.
(6) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government'' 
means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal 
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional 
Native Corporation.
(7) Vulnerable populations with access and functional 
needs.--The term ``vulnerable populations with access and 
functional needs'' means--
(A) the elderly, children, and individuals with 
disabilities (including individuals with mobility, 
communication, intellectual, and processing 
disabilities) for whom emergencies may present unique 
access and functional needs, such as maintaining 
independence, communication, transportation, 
supervision, and medical care; and
(B) include individuals described in subparagraph 
(A) who reside in institutionalized settings.

SEC. 12. ADMINISTRATOR; DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR; OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE 
AGENCY.

(a) Administrator.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Emergency Management Agency 
shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by 
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, and who shall report directly to the President.
(2) Principal advisor on emergency management.--The 
Administrator is the principal advisor to the President for all 
matters relating to emergency management in the United States.
(3) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall be appointed 
from among individuals who have--
(A) a demonstrated ability in, and knowledge of, 
emergency management; and
(B) not less than 5 years of executive leadership 
and management experience in the public or private 
sector.
(4) Executive schedule.--Title 5, United States Code, is 
amended--
(A) in section 5312, by adding at the end the 
following:
``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.''; and
(B) in section 5313, by striking the item relating 
to ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.''.
(b) Deputy Administrator.--
(1) In general.--The Agency shall have one Deputy 
Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and 
with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy 
Administrator shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by 
the Administrator and act for the Administrator when the 
Administrator is absent or unable to serve or when the position 
of the Administrator is vacant.
(2) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator shall be 
appointed from among individuals who have extensive experience 
in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigating 
hazards.
(3) Executive schedule.--Section 5314 of title 5, United 
States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
``Deputy Administrators, Federal Emergency Management Agency.'' 
and inserting the following:
``Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.''.
(c) Assistant Administrators.--
(1) In general.--The Agency shall have one or more 
Assistant Administrators, who shall be appointed by the 
Administrator, and whose duties shall be determined by the 
Administrator.
(2) Qualifications.--Each Assistant Administrator shall be 
appointed from among individuals who have a demonstrated 
ability in and knowledge of emergency management or other field 
relevant to their position.

SEC. 13. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall provide Federal leadership necessary to prepare 
for, respond to, recover from, or mitigate against all disasters, 
including natural or manmade, including--
(1) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency 
response providers to major disasters (as that term is defined 
in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) and other 
emergencies;
(2) with respect to the Nuclear Incident Response Team--
(A) establishing standards and certifying when such 
standards have been met; and
(B) conducting joint and other exercises and 
training and evaluating performance;
(3) providing the Federal Government's response to all 
disasters, including--
(A) managing such response;
(B) directing the Domestic Emergency Support Team 
and the Nuclear Incident Response Team;
(C) overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response 
System; and
(D) coordinating other Federal response resources, 
including requiring deployment of the Strategic 
National Stockpile, in the event of a disaster;
(4) aiding the recovery from a disaster;
(5) building a comprehensive national incident management 
system with Federal, State, and local government personnel, 
agencies, and authorities, to respond to such attacks and 
disasters;
(6) consolidating existing Federal Government emergency 
response plans into a single, coordinated national response 
plan;
(7) helping ensure the acquisition of operable and 
interoperable communications capabilities by Federal, State, 
local, and Tribal governments and emergency response providers;
(8) assisting the President in carrying out the functions 
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and carrying out all 
functions and authorities given to the Administrator under such 
Act;
(9) carrying out the mission of the Agency to reduce the 
loss of life and property and prepare the Nation for all 
hazards by leading and supporting the Nation in a comprehensive 
emergency management system of--
(A) mitigation, by taking sustained actions to 
reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and 
property from hazards and their effects;
(B) preparedness, by planning, training, and 
building the emergency management profession to prepare 
effectively for, mitigate against, respond to, and 
recover from any hazard;
(C) response, by conducting emergency operations to 
save lives and property through positioning emergency 
equipment, personnel, and supplies, through evacuating 
potential victims, through providing food, water, 
shelter, and medical care to those in need, and through 
restoring critical public services; and
(D) recovery, by rebuilding communities so 
individuals, businesses, and governments can function 
on their own, return to normal life, and protect 
against future hazards;
(10) increasing efficiencies, by coordinating efforts 
relating to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation;
(11) helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency 
response providers in responding to all hazards, including 
natural or man-made;
(12) supervising grant programs administered by the Agency;
(13) administering and ensuring the implementation of the 
National Response Plan, including coordinating and ensuring the 
readiness of each emergency support function under the National 
Response Plan;
(14) coordinating with the National Advisory Council 
established under section 508 of the Homeland Security Act of 
2002 (6 U.S.C. 318);
(15) preparing and implementing the plans and programs of 
the Federal Government for--
(A) continuity of operations;
(B) continuity of government; and
(C) continuity of plans;
(16) minimizing, to the extent practicable, overlapping 
planning and reporting requirements applicable to State, local, 
and Tribal governments and the private sector;
(17) maintaining and operating within the Agency the 
National Response Coordination Center or its successor;
(18) developing a national emergency management system that 
is capable of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, 
and mitigating against catastrophic incidents;
(19) assisting the President in carrying out the functions 
under the national preparedness goal and the national 
preparedness system and carrying out all functions and 
authorities of the Administrator under the national 
preparedness System;
(20) carrying out all authorities of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency; and
(21) otherwise carrying out the mission of the Agency as 
described in section 11(b).
(b) All-Hazards Approach.--In carrying out the responsibilities 
under this section, the Administrator shall coordinate the 
implementation of an all-hazards strategy that builds those common 
capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover from, or 
mitigate against all-hazards whether natural or manmade, while also 
building the unique capabilities necessary to prepare for, respond to, 
recover from, or mitigate against the risks of specific types of 
incidents that pose the greatest risk to the Nation.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Interoperable.--The term ``interoperable'' has the 
meaning given the term ``interoperable communications'' under 
section 7303(g)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 194(g)(1)).
(2) Local government.--The term local government means--
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township, 
local public authority, school district, special 
district, intrastate district, council of governments 
(regardless of whether the council of governments is 
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State 
law), regional or interstate government entity, or 
agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal 
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska 
Regional Native Corporation; and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or 
village, or other public entity.
(3) Resources.--The term ``resources'' means personnel and 
major items of equipment, supplies, and facilities available or 
potentially available for responding to a natural disaster, act 
of terrorism, or other manmade disaster.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the 
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any 
possession of the United States.
(5) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government'' 
means the government of an Indian tribe or authorized tribal 
organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional 
Native Corporation.

SEC. 14. OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall have an Office of the 
Inspector General, headed by an Inspector General who shall be 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, in accordance with chapter 4 of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 15. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS.

(a) In General.--Except as provided by subsection (c), there shall 
be transferred to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency the following:
(1) All functions of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, as constituted on the day before the date of enactment 
of this Act, including continuity of operations and continuity 
of Government plans and programs.
(2) The functions relating to the Agency under the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and other laws, including--
(A) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 
U.S.C. 4001 et seq.);
(B) the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 
(42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.);
(C) the National Dam Safety Program Act (33 U.S.C. 
467 et seq.);
(D) the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.);
(E) Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 
App.);
(F) section 612 of the Security and Accountability 
For Every Port Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 314a);
(G) title III of the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11331 et seq.);
(H) the Department of Homeland Security 
Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295);
(I) the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 
(Public Law 113-2);
(J) the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-254);
(K) the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-123);
(L) the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 
Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53); and
(M) any other relevant laws relating to the Agency.
(b) Inspector General.--There shall be transferred to the Inspector 
General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency all of the functions 
relating to the Inspector General that were transferred from the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland 
Security on or after January 1, 2003.
(c) Exceptions.--
(1) Programs unaffected.--The following programs shall not 
be affected by this Act and shall remain within the Department 
of Homeland Security:
(A) The grant programs authorized by sections 1406, 
1513, and 1532 of the Implementing Recommendations of 
the 9/11 Commission Act (6 U.S.C. 1135, 1163, and 
1182).
(B) The grant program authorized by section 70107 
of title 46, United States Code.
(C) Programs authorized in subtitle A of title XX 
of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 603 et 
seq.).
(2) Memorandum of understanding.--With respect to the 
programs under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland 
Security and the Administrator shall enter into a memorandum of 
understanding providing that--
(A) during the transition period under subsection 
(e), the Administrator shall continue to administer 
such programs; and
(B) the Administrator may assess a fee on the 
Secretary for the administration of such programs and 
any additional programs, as considered necessary by the 
Administrator or the Secretary.
(d) United States Fire Administrator; Federal Insurance 
Administrator.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the 
appointment of the United States Fire Administrator under section 5(b) 
of the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)) or 
the Federal Insurance Administrator under section 1105(a) of the 
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4129).
(e) Transition Period.--The transfers under this section shall be 
carried out not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act. During the transition period, the Secretary of Homeland Security 
shall provide to the Administrator such assistance, including the use 
of personnel and assets, as the Administrator may request in preparing 
for the transfer.
(f) Transition.--The Administrator may use--
(1) the services of such officers, employees, and other 
personnel of the Department of Homeland Security with respect 
to functions transferred by this section; and
(2) funds appropriated to such functions for such period of 
time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly 
implementation of this section.
(g) Liaison Office To Ensure Coordination With Department of 
Homeland Security.--The Administrator shall establish a liaison office 
within the Agency to ensure adequate coordination with the Department 
of Homeland Security.

SEC. 16. PERSONNEL AND OTHER TRANSFERS.

(a) Personnel Provisions.--
(1) Appointments.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency may appoint and fix the 
compensation of such officers and employees, including 
investigators, attorneys, and administrative law judges, as may 
be necessary to carry out the respective functions transferred 
under section 15. Except as otherwise provided by law, such 
officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with 
the civil service laws and their compensation fixed in 
accordance with title 5, United States Code.
(2) Experts and consultants.--The Administrator may obtain 
the services of experts and consultants in accordance with 
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, and compensate 
such experts and consultants for each day (including travel 
time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance 
of such services at rates not in excess of the rate of pay for 
level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of such 
title. The Administrator may pay experts and consultants who 
are serving away from their homes or regular place of business, 
travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates 
authorized by sections 5702 and 5703 of such title for persons 
in Government service employed intermittently.
(b) Delegation and Assignment.--Except where otherwise expressly 
prohibited by law or otherwise provided by this division, the 
Administrator may delegate any of the functions transferred to the 
Administrator by section 15 and any function transferred or granted to 
the Administrator after the date of the transfers by section 15 to such 
officers and employees of the Agency as the Administrator may designate 
and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be 
necessary or appropriate. No delegation of functions by the 
Administrator under this subsection or under any other provision of 
this division shall relieve the Administrator of responsibility for the 
administration of such functions.
(c) Reorganization.--The Administrator may allocate or reallocate 
any function transferred under section 15 among the officers of the 
Agency, and may establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue such 
organizational entities in the Agency as may be necessary or 
appropriate if the Administrator, on or before the 30th day preceding 
the date of the allocation or reallocation, provides to Congress 
written notice of the allocation or reallocation.
(d) Rules.--The Administrator may prescribe, in accordance with the 
provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, such 
rules and regulations as the Administrator determines necessary or 
appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the Agency.
(e) Transfer and Allocations of Appropriations and Personnel.--
Except as otherwise provided in this division, the personnel employed 
in connection with, and the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, 
records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, authorizations, 
allocations, and other funds employed, used, held, arising from, 
available to, or to be made available in connection with the functions 
transferred by section 15, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United 
States Code, shall be transferred to the Agency. Unexpended funds 
transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the 
purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and 
appropriated.
(f) Incidental Transfers.--The Director of the Office of Management 
and Budget, in consultation with the Administrator, may make such 
determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions 
transferred by section 15, and may make such additional incidental 
dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts, 
property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, 
authorizations, allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from, 
available to, or to be made available in connection with such 
functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
division. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated 
by this division and for such further measures and dispositions as may 
be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this division.
(g) Effect on Personnel.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided by this 
division, the transfer pursuant to this division of full-time 
personnel (except special Government employees) and part-time 
personnel holding permanent positions shall not cause any such 
employee to be separated or reduced in grade or compensation 
for one year after the date of transfer of such employee under 
this division.
(2) Executive schedule positions.--Except as otherwise 
provided in this division, any person who, on the day preceding 
the date of the transfers of functions under section 15, held a 
position compensated in accordance with the Executive Schedule 
prescribed in chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, and 
who, without a break in service, is appointed in the Agency to 
a position having duties comparable to the duties performed 
immediately preceding such appointment shall continue to be 
compensated in such new position at not less than the rate 
provided for such previous position, for the duration of the 
service of such person in such new position.

SEC. 17. SAVING PROVISIONS.

(a) Continuing Effect of Legal Documents.--All orders, 
determinations, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants, 
contracts, certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other 
administrative actions--
(1) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to 
become effective by the President, any Federal agency or 
official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in 
the performance of functions that are transferred under section 
15; and
(2) which are in effect on the date of the transfers of 
functions under section 15, or were final before such date and 
are to become effective on or after such date, shall continue 
in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, 
superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the 
President, the Administrator, or other authorized official, a 
court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(b) Proceedings Not Affected.--The provisions of this division 
shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed 
rulemaking, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or 
financial assistance pending before the Agency on the date of the 
transfers of functions under section 15, with respect to functions 
transferred by section 15, but such proceedings and applications shall 
continue. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be 
taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as 
if this division had not been enacted, and orders issued in any such 
proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, 
superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court of 
competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this 
subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or 
modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions 
and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been 
discontinued or modified if this division had not been enacted.
(c) Suits Not Affected.--The provisions of this division shall not 
affect suits commenced before the date of the transfers of functions 
under section 15, and in all such suits, proceedings shall be had, 
appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the 
same effect as if this division had not been enacted.
(d) Nonabatement of Actions.--No suit, action, or other proceeding 
commenced by or against the Agency, or by or against any individual in 
the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the Agency, 
shall abate by reason of the enactment of this division.
(e) Administrative Actions Relating to Promulgation of 
Regulations.--Any administrative action relating to the preparation or 
promulgation of a regulation by the Agency relating to a function 
transferred under section 15 may be continued by the Agency with the 
same effect as if this division had not been enacted.

SEC. 18. REFERENCES.

(a) References to FEMA.--Any reference to the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency in any law, Executive order, rule, regulation, 
certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of authority, or other 
official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the Agency 
established by section 11.
(b) References to Administrator of FEMA.--Any reference to the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any law, 
Executive order, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, 
delegation of authority, or other official paper shall be considered to 
refer and apply to the Administrator established by section 12(a)(1).
(c) References to Inspector General.--Any reference to the 
Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or to the 
functions relating to such office that were transferred from the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Homeland 
Security on or after January 1, 2003, in any law, Executive order, 
rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, delegation of 
authority, or other official paper shall be considered to refer and 
apply to the Inspector General established by section 14 or to the 
functions related to the office of such Inspector General.

SEC. 19. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY WORKING CAPITAL FUND.

(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the Treasury a 
revolving fund for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 
operation of any Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters, 
multi-discipline facility to be known as the ``Federal Emergency 
Management Agency Working Capital Fund''.
(b) Fees for Services.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency may charge a fee for services and equipment 
provided at any Federal Emergency Management Agency 
headquarters, multi-discipline facility to the Department of 
Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and other sources 
authorized by law, and shall deposit such fees charged into the 
account of the revolving fund established under this section.
(2) Fee amount.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall set the fee authorized under this 
subsection at rates that will return in full all expenses of 
operation for the facility or facilities, including accrued 
leave, depreciation of fund plant and equipment, amortization 
of automated data processing software and systems (either 
acquired or donated), and an amount necessary to maintain 
reasonable operating reserve as determined by the 
Administrator.
(3) Advance of funds.--Participants requesting services or 
equipment at the facility or facilities shall pay for such 
services and equipment by advance of funds--
(A) if the Administrator determines that amounts in 
the revolving fund are otherwise insufficient to cover 
the costs of providing such equipment and services; or
(B) upon agreement between the participants and the 
Administrator.
(c) Contents of Fund.--The revolving fund established under this 
section shall consist of the following amounts:
(1) Amounts deposited by the Administrator under subsection 
(b).
(2) Any other amounts received by the Administrator which 
are attributable to the programs covered by the fund.
(3) Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(d) Use of Amounts.--Amounts deposited into the revolving fund 
established under this section shall be available for the necessary 
expenses of operating the facility or facilities, including the 
provision of equipment and services on a fee basis as authorized under 
subsection (b).
(e) Deposit of Funds During Transition.--Notwithstanding section 
506 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004 
(Public Law 108-90; 31 U.S.C. 501 note) (as extended by section 504 of 
the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (division 
F of Public Law 117-328), and any subsequent law), there shall be 
transferred to the revolving fund established under this section the 
assets, liabilities, contracts, inventory, equipment, property, 
records, and unexpended balance of appropriations and other funds held, 
used, arising from, available to, or to be made available to the 
Department of Homeland Security Working Capital Fund for the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency. Unexpended funds transferred pursuant to 
this paragraph shall be merged with the revolving fund and shall be 
available as authorized by this section.

SEC. 20. IMPROVING DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS.

(a) In General.--Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (15 U.S.C. 5141 et seq.) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 328. DESIGNATION OF VETERANS ADVOCATE.

``(a) In General.--The President shall designate in the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency a Veterans Advocate.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Veterans Advocate shall be an advocate 
for the fair treatment of veterans in the provision of assistance under 
this Act.
``(c) Duties.--The Veterans Advocate shall--
``(1) participate in the disaster declaration process under 
section 401 and the emergency declaration process under section 
501 to ensure that the needs of veterans are being addressed;
``(2) serve as the primary point of contact between 
veterans service organizations and the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency;
``(3) identify opportunities for expanded veteran 
recruitment for Federal Emergency Management Agency employment, 
including Federal Emergency Management Agency reservist 
positions; and
``(4) conduct such other activities as the Administrator of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency considers 
appropriate.''.
(b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in the amendment made by this 
section shall be construed to authorize major disaster or emergency 
assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that is not authorized as of 
the date of enactment of this Act.

TITLE II--OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

SEC. 21. NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

(a) Other Officers.--Section 103(a)(1) of the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 113(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (K) as 
subparagraphs (D) through (J), respectively.
(b) Repeals.--Sections 503, 504, and 506 of the Homeland Security 
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 316), and the items relating to such sections in 
section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(c) Regional Offices.--Section 507 of the Homeland Security Act of 
2002 (6 U.S.C. 317) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A) by striking ``and homeland 
security''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(3) by striking ``other than the 
Department''.
(d) National Advisory Council.--Section 508 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 318) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of the Post-Katrina Emergency 
Management Reform Act of 2006, the Secretary shall 
establish'' and inserting ``There is established''; and
(B) by striking ``protection,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``administered by the 
Department''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1)(D) by striking ``protection,'';
(e) National Integration Center.--Section 509(c)(1) of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 319(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``Secretary, acting 
through the Administrator,'' and inserting ``Administrator''; 
and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking ``, the Homeland 
Security Council, and the Secretary under section 503(c)(4)''.
(f) Evacuation Plans and Exercises.--Section 512 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``, in coordination with 
the Administrator,'' after ``may''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``Administrator'' and 
inserting ``Secretary''.
(g) Department and Agency Officials.--
(1) In general.--Section 514 of the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321c) is amended by striking ``(a) Deputy'' 
and all that follows through ``The Administrator of the'' and 
inserting ``The Administrator of the''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The item relating to section 514 
in the table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 is amended to read as follows:

``514. United States Fire Administration.''.
(h) National Operations Center.--Section 515 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ``Department'' and 
inserting ``Agency''; and
(2) in subsection (c) by striking ``Secretary'' each place 
it appears and inserting ``Administrator''.
(i) Nuclear Incident Response.--Section 517 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321f)--
(1) by striking ``Department'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``Agency''; and
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``direction of the Secretary'' and 
inserting ``direction of the Administrator''; and
(B) by striking ``control of the Secretary'' and 
inserting ``control of the Administrator''.
(j) Conduct of Certain Public Health-Related Activities.--Section 
518 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321g) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``collaboration with the 
Secretary'' and inserting ``collaboration with the 
Administrator''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``with the Secretary'' 
and inserting ``with the Administrator''.
(k) Use of National Private Sector Networks in Emergency 
Response.--Section 519 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 
321h) is amended by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting 
``Administrator''.
(l) Public Health Service Act.--
(1) Procurement of security countermeasures for strategic 
national stockpile.--Section 319F-2 of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-6b) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``and in 
coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security 
(referred to in this section as the `Homeland Security 
Secretary')'' and inserting ``and in coordination with 
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (referred to in this section as the 
`Administrator')''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking ``Homeland Security 
Secretary'' each place it appears and inserting 
``Administrator''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)(C)--
(I) by striking ``Secretary of 
Homeland Security'' and inserting 
``Administrator''; and
(II) by inserting ``, the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure,'' 
after ``Energy and Commerce''.
(2) Improving state and local public health security.--
Section 319C-1(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
247d-3a(f)) is amended--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Homeland 
Security'' and inserting ``Federal Emergency Management 
Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``Secretary of Homeland Security'' 
and inserting ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency''.
(3) Partnerships for state and regional hospital 
preparedness to improve surge capacity.--Section 319C-
2(d)(2)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-
3b(d)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting ``and the Administrator of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency'' after ``Homeland 
Security''.
(4) Facilities and capacities of the centers for disease 
control and prevention.--Section 319D(c)(2)(B) of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-4(c)(2)(B)) is amended by 
inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency,'' after ``Homeland Security,''.
(5) Emergency system for advance registration of volunteer 
health professional.--Section 319I(f) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-7b(f)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Secretary of Homeland Security'' 
and inserting ``Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency''; and
(B) by striking ``Department of Homeland Security'' 
and inserting ``Federal Emergency Management Agency''.
(m) Guidance and Recommendations.--Section 523 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321l) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``the Administrator and 
the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security 
Agency, in consultation with the private sector'' and inserting 
``the Administrator, in consultation with the Director of the 
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the 
private sector''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ``Secretary'' and 
inserting ``Administrator''.
(n) Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and 
Certification Program.--Section 524 of the Homeland Security Act of 
2002 (6 U.S.C. 321m) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraphs (1) through 
(3) and inserting the following: ``The Administrator shall 
establish and implement the voluntary private sector 
preparedness accreditation and certification program in 
accordance with this section.''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``designated officer'' 
each place it appears and inserting ``Administrator''.
(o) Acceptance of Gifts.--Section 525 of the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321n) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Secretary'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``Administrator'';
(2) in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) by striking 
``Department'' and inserting ``Agency''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1) by inserting ``the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and'' after ``submit to''.
(p) National Planning and Education.--Section 527 of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321p) is amended by striking 
``Secretary'' and inserting ``Administrator, in consultation with the 
Secretary,''.
(q) Coordination of Department of Homeland Security Efforts Related 
to Food, Agriculture, and Veterinary Defense Against Terrorism.--
Section 528(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321q(c)) 
is amended--
(1) by striking ``Agriculture or'' and inserting 
``Agriculture,''; and
(2) by inserting ``,or the Administrator'' before the 
period at the end.
(r) Continuity of the Economy Plan.--Section 9603 of division A of 
the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2021 (6 U.S.C. 622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (H) and (I) as 
subparagraphs (I) and (J); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the 
following:
``(H) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency;''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (S) and (T) as 
subparagraphs (T) and (U); and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (R) the 
following:
``(S) the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;''.
(s) Joint Task Forces.--Section 708(b)(2)(B) of the Homeland 
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 348(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i)--
(A) by striking ``including section 
504(a)(3)(A),''; and
(B) in subclause (II) by striking ``paragraphs (3) 
and (4)(A) of section 503(c) and section 509(c) of this 
Act,'' and inserting ``the FEMA Act of 2025''; and
(2) in clause (ii) by striking ``, including'' and all that 
follows through ``section 506''.

TITLE III--RELATED MATTERS

SEC. 31. CHANGES TO ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS.

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the President shall amend Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, 
Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8, Presidential Policy 
Directive-8, and any other similar administrative document to reflect 
the changes made by this division and the amendments made by this 
division.

SEC. 32. RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION.

(a) In General.--After consultation with Congress, the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall prepare 
recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming 
amendments to reflect the changes made by this division.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the last 
day of the transition period referred to in section 15(e), the 
Administrator shall submit to Congress a report containing the 
recommended legislation.

DIVISION B--FEMA REFORMS

TITLE I--PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REFORMS

SEC. 101. REBUILDING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

(a) In General.--Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by 
inserting after section 408 the following:

``SEC. 409. EXPEDITED REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED 
FACILITIES.

``(a) Grants for Repair, Restoration, Reconstruction, or 
Replacement of a Public Facility.--
``(1) In general.--The President may make grants--
``(A) to a State or local government for the 
repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of 
a public facility damaged or destroyed by a major 
disaster; and
``(B) subject to paragraph (2), to a person that 
owns or operates a private nonprofit facility damaged 
or destroyed by a major disaster for the repair, 
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of the 
facility.
``(2) Conditions for assistance to private nonprofit 
facilities.--
``(A) In general.--The President may make grants to 
a private nonprofit facility under paragraph (1)(B) 
only if--
``(i) the facility provides critical 
services (as defined by the President) in the 
event of a major disaster; or
``(ii) the owner or operator of the 
facility--
``(I) has applied for a disaster 
loan under section 7(b) of the Small 
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)); and
``(II)(aa) has been determined to 
be ineligible for such a loan; or
``(bb) has obtained such a loan in 
the maximum amount for which the Small 
Business Administration determines the 
facility is eligible.
``(B) Religious facilities.--A church, synagogue, 
mosque, temple, or other house of worship, educational 
facility, or any other private nonprofit facility shall 
be eligible for grants under paragraph (1)(B), without 
regard to the religious character of the facility or 
the primary religious use of the facility. No house of 
worship, educational facility, or any other private 
nonprofit facility may be excluded from receiving 
grants under paragraph (1)(B) because leadership or 
membership in the organization operating the house of 
worship is limited to persons who share a religious 
faith or practice.
``(C) Definition of critical services.--In this 
paragraph, the term `critical services' includes power, 
water (including water provided by an irrigation 
organization or facility), sewer, wastewater treatment, 
communications (including broadcast and 
telecommunications), education, food and emergency 
supply distribution, and emergency medical care.
``(3) Notification to congress.--The President shall notify 
the following committees not later than 30 days after making 
any contribution under this section in an amount greater than 
$20,000,000:
``(A) The Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
``(B) The Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
``(C) The Committee on Appropriations of the 
Senate.
``(D) The Committee on Appropriations of the House 
of Representatives.
``(b) Grant Requirements.--
``(1) Use of grant funds.--Grant funds made to a State, 
local government, or a person that owns or operates a private 
nonprofit facility under this section may be used--
``(A) to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace 
the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or 
destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building 
codes as of the time of repair, restoration, 
reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating 
mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for 
the geographical area;
``(B) to repair, restore, incorporate mitigation 
measures, or expand other selected public facilities;
``(C) to construct new facilities;
``(D) and combined to construct a consolidated 
facility or facilities of a State, local government, or 
owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility; or
``(E) to fund hazard mitigation measures that the 
State or local government determines necessary to meet 
a need for governmental services and functions in the 
area affected by the major disaster.
``(2) Cost estimation.--
``(A) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant made 
available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be 
determined, without regard to preexisting condition, 
based on the estimated cost to repair, restore, 
reconstruct, or replace the public or private nonprofit 
facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to 
applicable building codes as of the time of repair, 
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement. Such cost 
estimate shall--
``(i) be developed by an appropriately 
licensed professional;
``(ii) include the cost of incorporating 
mitigation measures consistent with disaster 
risks for the geographical area;
``(iii) include associated expenses 
including labor costs, management costs, 
materials, and any other costs to repair, 
restore, reconstruct, or replace the impacted 
facility; and
``(iv) include the cost of developing such 
estimate.
``(B) Presumption of accuracy.--The cost estimate 
carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be presumed to 
be accurate and reasonable unless there is evidence of 
criminal fraud.
``(3) Submission.--Upon submission by the applicant of the 
cost estimate carried out under paragraph (2), any review by 
the Administrator shall be completed not later than 90 days 
after the receipt of such estimate. In evaluating whether such 
cost estimation is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator 
may not consider preexisting condition and the evaluation shall 
be conducted by an appropriately licensed professional with 
familiarity with the relevant geographical location, including 
market considerations and availability of labor and materials 
for the applicable project. Unless there is evidence of 
criminal fraud, such estimate shall be deemed to be approved 
not later than 90 days after the submission of such estimate.
``(4) Availability of funds.--Not later than 30 days after 
the approval of a cost estimate under this subsection, the 
Administrator shall make the grant funds available to the 
applicant.
``(5) One-time adjustment.--Not later than 2 years after 
such approval, the State, local government, or person that owns 
or operates a private nonprofit facility may submit a revised 
cost estimate to account for changes in labor, material, or 
other costs associated with fluctuations in the market. Upon 
receipt of a revised cost estimate, the Administrator shall 
review such revision in the same manner and with the same time 
limitations as apply to the initial cost estimate.
``(6) Finality of approvals.--Upon approval of the grant or 
one-time adjustment, notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, including section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, 
unless there is evidence of criminal fraud, no legal or 
administrative action with respect to such approval or 
adjustment, as applicable, to recover any payment under this 
section shall be initiated in any forum.
``(7) Special rule for large, complex projects.--
``(A) In general.--A State, local government, or 
owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility may, 
with the approval of the Administrator, designate a 
large, complex infrastructure project as a phased 
project.
``(B) Submission of cost estimates.--With respect 
to projects designated under subparagraph (A), the 
respective applicant may submit cost estimates for each 
phase designated for such project.
``(C) Approvals.--The submissions for each phase 
under subparagraph (B) shall be approved in the same 
manner and with the same limitations as outlined in 
paragraphs (3) through (5).
``(8) Deadline.--All cost estimates submitted under this 
section shall be submitted not later than 5 years after the 
date of the respective major disaster declaration under this 
title, unless the 5-year period is extended by the President.
``(9) Progress reports.--
``(A) Reports.--A State, local government, or owner 
or operator of a private nonprofit facility that 
receives funding under this section shall, for each 
major disaster declared for which funding was provided 
under this section, submit an annual progress report to 
the Administrator that includes--
``(i) a list with descriptions of projects 
funded;
``(ii) a list and number of projects 
permitted and commenced;
``(iii) a list of completed projects; and
``(iv) a list of remaining projects and the 
status of such projects.
``(B) Public availability.--Upon receipt of a 
report under this paragraph, the Administrator shall 
make such report publicly available on the website of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(10) Inspector general review.--Not later than 2 years 
after the date of enactment of this section and annually 
thereafter, the inspector general of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of 
2025, shall conduct a review and submit to the committees 
described in subsection (a)(3) a report containing--
``(A) a sampling of cost estimates approved in the 
prior year and assess their reasonableness taking into 
account labor, material, and market conditions in the 
relevant locality at the time of the estimate;
``(B) information on whether the Administrator has 
placed any overly burdensome requirements on the 
applicant in the submission process, including whether 
or not the Administrator has failed to accept 
submissions based on nonsubstantive or technical 
reasons; and
``(C) any evidence of criminal fraud and whether 
there have been any referrals for further investigation 
or prosecution.
``(11) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Applicable building codes.--The term 
`applicable building codes' means the latest 2 
published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, 
specifications, and standards, including amendments 
made by State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial 
governments during the adoption process that 
incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and 
establish criteria for design, construction, and 
maintenance for the relevant project.
``(B) Appropriately licensed professional.--The 
term `appropriately licensed professional' means an 
individual who is an engineer, architect, builder, cost 
estimator, tradesperson, or similar professional (or 
combinations thereof, as needed) that is licensed, 
certified, or authorized to work in the relevant State 
to perform the type of work related to producing a cost 
estimate for the relevant project described under this 
subsection.
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) Minimum federal share.--Except as provided in 
paragraph (2), the Federal share of assistance under this 
section shall be not less than 75 percent of the estimated cost 
of repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement carried 
out under this section.
``(2) Reduced federal share.--The President may reduce the 
Federal share of assistance under this section to not less than 
65 percent through a sliding scale following an event 
associated with a major disaster in which a State or Indian 
tribal government has failed to implement appropriate 
mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the 
damage. Such mitigation measures shall include--
``(A) establishing and maintaining State-funded 
mitigation programs dedicated to investment in State 
and local mitigation projects for public and private 
nonprofit facilities other than projects carried out 
with Federal funds;
``(B) maintaining specified insurance on the 
facilities subject to projects described under 
subparagraph (A);
``(C) employing qualified State and local emergency 
management and personnel; and
``(D) using non-Federal funding sources to complete 
projects in the preapproved project mitigation plan 
approved under section 322(f).
``(3) Increased federal share.--
``(A) Incentive measures.--The President may 
provide incentives to a State or Tribal government to 
invest in measures that increase readiness for, and 
resilience from, a major disaster by recognizing such 
investments through a sliding scale that increases the 
minimum Federal share to 85 percent. Such measures 
shall include--
``(i) establishing and maintaining a 
dedicated disaster account;
``(ii) establishing and maintaining State 
risk management programs with dedicated funding 
for third-party insurance policies, captive 
insurance, and actuarially sound self-insurance 
risk pools that insure public facilities 
against future disaster risk;
``(iii) establishing and maintaining other 
disaster programs managed and funded by the 
State, including disaster assistance to 
individuals;
``(iv) facilitating participation in the 
community rating system;
``(v) granting tax incentives for projects 
that reduce risk;
``(vi) facilitating the adoption and 
enforcement of 1 of the 2 latest editions of 
relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, 
and standards, including amendments made by 
State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial 
governments during the adoption process that 
incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs 
and establish criteria for the design, 
construction, and maintenance of residential 
structures and facilities that may be eligible 
for assistance under this Act for purposes of 
protecting the health, safety, and general 
welfare of the buildings' users against 
disasters;
``(vii) establishing robust floodplain 
management standards;
``(viii) updating State risk assessments 
with future projections;
``(ix) integrating hazard mitigation 
planning into resource management plans; and
``(x) incorporating multi-beneficial 
natural systems and nature-based solutions in 
disaster resilience efforts.
``(B) Savings clause.--Nothing in this paragraph 
prevents the President from increasing the Federal cost 
share above 85 percent.
``(4) Considerations.--In making cost-share determinations 
under this subsection, the President shall consider--
``(A) whether a county, or county equivalents, 
impacted by a disaster has done significantly more to 
implement the resilience measures listed in 
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2) and 
clauses (i) through (x) of paragraph (3)(A); and
``(B) the total population and capacity of each 
State to implement such measures.
``(5) Combined sources of funding.--
``(A) In general.--Grant funding received under 
this section may be used in combination with other 
Federal funding and private sector funding.
``(B) Conflicting standards.--In any case in which 
a building code or mitigation standard is in conflict 
across Federal agencies of a combined funding project 
described in subparagraph (A), any codes or standards 
promulgated by the President, through the 
Administrator, pursuant to this Act shall be 
applied.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Sunsets.--Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Options.--A State, local government, or owner or operator of 
a private nonprofit facility eligible for assistance under this section 
for a project for which an application has been submitted before the 
date of enactment of this subsection may opt to receive a grant 
pursuant to section 409 in lieu of contributions available under this 
section.
``(g) Sunset.--
``(1) Limitation on applications.--No application may be 
approved under this section if such application is submitted on 
or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this subsection.
``(2) Sunset of certain authorities.--The authorities under 
subsections (a) through (c) and subsections (e) through (f) of 
this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.''.
(2) Public assistance program alternative procedures.--
Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b) by striking ``406,'';
(B) in subsection (e)--
(i) by striking ``The alternative 
procedures'' and all that follows through ``and 
502(a)(5)--'' and inserting ``For debris 
removal under sections 403(a)(3)(A), 407, and 
502(a)(5), the President shall adopt 
alternative procedures for--'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
through (F) as paragraphs (1) through (6), 
respectively, and adjusting the margins 
accordingly; and
(iii) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, 
by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as 
subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, 
and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(C) by striking subsection (h).
(3) Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged 
facilities.--
(A) Predisaster hazard mitigation.--Section 203(i) 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(i)) is amended by 
inserting ``409,'' after ``408,'' each place it 
appears.
(B) Insurance.--Section 311 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5154) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a)(1) by inserting ``or 
409'' after ``section 406'';
(ii) in subsection (b) by inserting ``or 
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(iii) in subsection (c) by striking 
``section 406 or 422'' and inserting ``section 
406, 409, or 422'' each place it appears.
(C) Management costs.--Section 324(b)(2)(B) of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)(B)) is amended by 
inserting ``409,'' after ``407,''.
(D) Specified insurance.--Section 406(d) of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(d)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking 
``available under this section'' and inserting 
``available under this section or section 
409''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking ``under 
this section'' and inserting ``under this 
section or section 409''.
(E) Simplified procedure.--Section 422(a) of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189(a)) is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or 
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(ii) in the matter following paragraph (3) 
by striking ``407, or 502'' and inserting 
``407, 409, or 502''.
(F) Agency accountability.--Section 430 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189h) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a) by inserting ``or 
409'' after ``section 406''; and
(ii) in subsection (e)(1) by inserting 
``409,'' after ``407,''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
(d) Regulations.--
(1) Application.--Any regulations or policies in effect on 
the date of enactment of this Act related to Public Assistance 
or related assistance that conflict or are inconsistent with 
this section, including subsections (i), (k), and (l) of 
section 206.201 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
section 206.202 of such title shall not apply to section 409 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act, as added by this section.
(2) Notification.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall notify the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate of any regulations in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act that the Administrator 
intends to apply to such section 409. Such notification shall 
include a justification and specify the ambiguity the 
regulation is intended to clarify.
(3) Policies.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate any written policies and 
procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that 
the Administration intends to apply to carry out this section.

SEC. 102. TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS BACKLOG OF OPEN DECLARED DISASTERS.

(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall establish a declared disasters task force (in 
this section referred to as the ``Task Force'') to develop processes 
and mechanisms necessary for the Administrator to eliminate the current 
backlog of open declared disasters.
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force established under 
subsection (a) shall include the following members:
(A) The Administrator, who shall serve as the chair 
of the Task Force.
(B) The Associate Administrator within the Office 
of Response and Recovery.
(C) The Regional Administrator for Region 4.
(D) The Regional Administrator for Region 6.
(E) The Regional Administrator for Region 9.
(F) The Division Director for Public Assistance 
within the Office of Response and Recovery.
(G) Any other subject matter expert who is employed 
by the Agency, as the Administrator determines 
appropriate.
(2) Detailees.--Members of the Task Force may detail 
employees who are employed by the Agency to assist the 
Administrator in fulfilling the duties of the Task Force.
(c) Duties.--The Task Force established under subsection (a) 
shall--
(1) establish a temporary office within the Agency to 
address open declared disasters;
(2) identify the barriers the Agency has experienced in 
closing out the backlog;
(3) examine any challenges in reducing the number of open 
declared disasters that are caused by carrying out the program 
under section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135);
(4) make recommendations on how to expedite the appeals of 
assistance denial process under section 423 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5189a);
(5) identify any barriers preventing the closeout of the 
excessive backlog; and
(6) coordinate efforts with any processes implemented by 
Agency to address the number of open declared disasters, 
including the Backlog Administrative Closeout Process as 
outlined in the Public Assistance Backlog Strategy 
Implementation Guidance adopted June 2024.
(d) Completion of Task Force Activities.--
(1) Submission of results.--Not later than 1 year after the 
establishment of the Task Force under subsection (a), the Task 
Force shall submit to the Administrator the results of the 
activities carried out under subsection (c).
(2) Sunset.--The Task Force established under this section 
shall be terminated upon submission of the results pursuant to 
paragraph (1).
(e) Briefings.--
(1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the 
Agency's progress in reducing the backlog and any other 
activities of the Task Force.
(2) Semiannual briefings.--The Administrator shall provide 
semiannual briefings to the appropriate congressional 
committees until the Agency closes out 800 declared disasters 
in its backlog.
(3) Yearly.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter so long as any 
excessive open declared disasters remain, the Administrator 
shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a 
briefing on the Agency's closeout of its excessive backlog. 
Such briefing may be conducted concurrently with a semiannual 
briefing under paragraph (2).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
(C) the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate.
(2) Backlog.--The term ``backlog'' means, with respect to a 
declared disaster--
(A) the period of performance for the declared 
disaster has concluded; and
(B) products and services carried out by the Agency 
remain to be delivered.
(3) Declared disasters.--The term ``declared disasters'' 
means--
(A) any major disaster declared under section 401 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), including any grant 
program relating to such a major disaster;
(B) any emergency declared under section 501 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191), including any grant 
program relating to such an emergency; and
(C) any assistance provided for fire management 
under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187), 
including any grant program relating to such fire 
management.
(4) Excessive backlog.--The term ``excessive backlog'' 
means any declared disaster that--
(A) is an open declared disaster; and
(B) the declaration of which occurred not earlier 
than 10 years ago.
(g) Closeout Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall direct each 
Regional Administrator to close out a declared disaster in the 
backlog or the excessive backlog, and disperse the remaining 
fund balances, as soon as is practicable after the date on 
which 90 percent of the costs expended for all approved 
projects or awards relating to such declared disasters are 
validated.
(2) Agreements.--A closeout described under paragraph (1) 
shall include reaching an agreement for projects or awards that 
are in active litigation, as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
(3) Cost estimates.--The Administrator shall close out a 
declared disaster described in paragraph (1), notwithstanding 
section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, based on cost 
estimates.
(h) GAO Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct 
a review and submit a report to Congress evaluating--
(1) the effectiveness of the activities of the Task Force 
described in subsection (c); and
(2) the progress of the Administrator in reducing the 
excessive backlog.

SEC. 103. DISASTER DECLARATION DAMAGE THRESHOLDS.

(a) In General.--In making recommendations to the President 
regarding the eligibility of a State impacted by a major disaster 
declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), the Administrator of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency shall use as a factor for 
consideration whether the impacted counties, or subdivision therein, in 
such State meet the definition of an economically distressed community 
under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a 
rural area under section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).
(b) Additional Authorization.--In all cases where assistance under 
section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, as added by this Act, is authorized for a county, or a 
subdivision therein, that meets the definition of an economically 
distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 13, Code of 
Federal Regulations, or a rural area under section 343(a) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)), the 
President shall provide assistance under section 408 of such Act.
(c) Revisions to Guidance, Policies, and Regulations.--The 
Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any 
policies, guidance, or regulations of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency to implement subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
constrain the authority of the President to make a determination of 
eligibility for assistance under section 409 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as added by this Act.

SEC. 104. FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT.

Section 316 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5159) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 316. FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT.

``(a) In General.--
``(1) Protection of environment.--An action which is taken 
or assistance which is provided pursuant to section 402, 403, 
406, 407, 409, or 502 shall not be deemed a major Federal 
action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment within the meaning of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the action has 
the effect of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or 
replacing a facility that is damaged by a declared emergency or 
major disaster pursuant to section 401 or 501 to applicable 
building codes at the time of repair, restoration, 
reconstruction, or replacement, including incorporating 
mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the 
geographic area, provided that facility improvements and 
mitigation activities occur in the same location of the 
original facility.
``(2) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this section 
shall alter or affect the applicability of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to 
other Federal actions taken under this Act or under any other 
provisions of law.
``(b) Exemptions and Expedited Procedures.--
``(1) Stormwater discharge permits.--A general permit for 
stormwater discharges from construction activities, if 
available, issued by the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency or the director of a State program under 
section 402(p) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1242(p)), as applicable, shall apply to repair, 
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection 
(a), on submission of a notice of intent to be subject to the 
permit.
``(2) Emergency procedures.--The emergency procedures for 
issuing permits in accordance with section 325.2(e)(4) of title 
33, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair, 
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection 
(a), and such repair, restoration, reconstruction, or 
replacement shall be considered an emergency under such 
section.
``(3) National historic preservation act exemption.--
Repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under 
subsection (a) shall be eligible for a waiver from the 
requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 
pursuant to part 78 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(4) Endangered species act exemption.--An exemption from 
the requirements of section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)) shall apply to repair, restoration, 
reconstruction, or replacement under subsection (a) and, if the 
President makes the determination required under section 7(p) 
of such Act, the determinations required under subsections (g) 
and (h) of such section shall be deemed to be made.
``(5) Expedited consultation under endangered species 
act.--Expedited consultation pursuant to section 402.05 of 
title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to repair, 
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement under subsection 
(a).
``(6) Other exemptions.--Any repair, restoration, 
reconstruction, or replacement that is exempt under paragraph 
(5) shall also be exempt from requirements under--
``(A) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 
et seq.);
``(B) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 
1271 et seq.); and
``(C) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 
U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
``(c) State-Managed Review Process.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (a), (b), and 
(d), with the written agreement of the Administrator and a 
State, which may be in the form of a memorandum of 
understanding, the Administrator may assign, and the State may 
assume, the responsibilities of the Administrator with respect 
to 1 or more disaster recovery projects within the State under 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 
U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), so long as--
``(A) the State shall assume responsibilities under 
this section subject to the same procedural and 
substantive requirements that would apply if such 
responsibilities were carried out by the Administrator, 
including the exemptions and expedited procedures under 
subsection (b);
``(B) any responsibility of the Administrator not 
explicitly assumed by the State under such agreement 
shall remain the responsibility of the Administrator;
``(C) nothing in such agreement preempts or 
interferes with any power, jurisdiction, 
responsibility, or authority of an agency, other than 
the Administrator, under applicable law (including 
regulations), with respect to a project;
``(D) the Administrator shall not require a State, 
as a condition of participation in the program, to 
forego project delivery methods that are otherwise 
permissible for projects; and
``(E) a State assuming the responsibilities of the 
Administrator under this section for a specific project 
may use funds for attorney's fees directly attributable 
to eligible activities associated with the project for 
an increase in management costs.
``(2) Assumption of responsibility.--If a State assumes 
responsibility under paragraph (1)--
``(A) the Administrator may assign to such State, 
and such State may assume, all or part of the 
responsibilities of the Administrator for environmental 
review, consultation, or other action required under 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic 
Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), 
pertaining to the review or approval of a specific 
project; and
``(B) at the request of such State, the 
Administrator may also assign to such State, and such 
State may assume, the responsibilities of the 
Administrator with respect to 1 or more disaster 
recovery projects within the State under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 
1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.).
``(3) Rulemaking authority.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the 
Administrator shall promulgate regulations that establish 
requirements relating to information required to be contained 
in any request of a State to enter into a written agreement 
under paragraph (1), including, at a minimum--
``(A) a description of the projects or classes of 
projects for which the State anticipates exercising the 
authority under this subsection;
``(B) verification of the financial and personnel 
resources necessary to carry out such authority;
``(C) a demonstration of compliance with any 
applicable public notice law of the State, including 
copies of comments received from a solicitation carried 
out pursuant to any such law; and
``(D) a demonstration of compliance with applicable 
Federal environmental and historic preservation law.
``(4) Written agreement.--A written agreement under this 
section shall--
``(A) be executed by the Governor of the respective 
State;
``(B) provide that the State--
``(i) agrees to presume all or part of the 
responsibilities of the Administrator described 
in paragraph (1);
``(ii) expressly consents, on behalf of the 
State, to accept the jurisdiction of the 
Federal courts for the compliance, discharge, 
and enforcement of any responsibility of the 
Administrator assumed by the State; and
``(iii) certifies that State laws 
(including regulations) are in effect that--
``(I) authorize the State to take 
the actions necessary to carry out the 
responsibilities being assumed under 
such agreement; and
``(II) are comparable to section 
552 of title 5, United States Code, 
including providing that any decision 
regarding the public availability of a 
document under such State laws is 
reviewable by a court of competent 
jurisdiction; and
``(III) agree to maintain the 
financial resources necessary to carry 
out the responsibilities being assumed;
``(C) require the State to provide to the 
Administrator any information the Administrator 
reasonably considers necessary to ensure that the State 
is adequately carrying out the responsibilities 
assigned to the State under such agreement;
``(D) have a term of not more than 5 years; and
``(E) be renewable.
``(5) Jurisdiction.--
``(A) In general.--The United States district 
courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any civil 
action against a State for failure to carry out any 
responsibility of the State under this section.
``(B) Legal standards and requirements.--A civil 
action under paragraph (1) shall be governed by the 
legal standards and requirements that would apply in 
such a civil action against the Administrator had the 
Administrator taken the actions in question.
``(C) Intervention.--The Administrator shall have 
the right to intervene in any action described in 
paragraph (1).
``(6) Liability.--A State that assumes responsibility under 
paragraph (2) shall be solely responsible and solely liable for 
carrying out, in lieu of and without further approval of the 
Administrator, the responsibilities under such paragraph, until 
the participation of the State is terminated under paragraph 
(8).
``(7) Limitation on agreements.--Nothing in this section 
permits a State to assume any rulemaking authority of the 
Administrator under any Federal law.
``(8) Termination.--
``(A) Termination by administrator.--The 
Administrator may only terminate the participation of 
any State under this subsection if--
``(i) the Administrator determines that the 
State is not adequately carrying out the 
responsibilities assigned to the State in a 
written agreement under this subsection;
``(ii) the Administrator provides to the 
State--
``(I) a notification of a 
determination of noncompliance;
``(II) a period of not less than 
120 days to take such corrective action 
as the Administrator determines to be 
necessary to comply with the applicable 
agreement; and
``(III) on request of the Governor, 
a detailed description of each 
responsibility in need of corrective 
action regarding an inadequacy 
identified under this subparagraph; and
``(iii) the State, after the notification 
and period provided under clause (ii), fails to 
take satisfactory corrective action, as 
determined by the Administrator.
``(B) Termination by state.--A State may terminate 
the participation of the State in the program at any 
time by providing to the Administrator a notice by not 
later than the date that is 90 days before the date of 
termination, and subject to such terms and conditions 
as the Administrator may provide.
``(9) Audits.--To ensure compliance by a State with any 
agreement of the State under this subsection (including 
compliance by the State with all Federal laws for which 
responsibility is assumed under paragraph (2)), for each State 
participating in an agreement under this subsection, the 
inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
established in section 14 of the FEMA Act of 2025, shall--
``(A) meet with the State not later than 180 days 
after signing an agreement to review how the agreement 
is being implement and plan the first annual audit, 
including consulting with the State on the selection of 
the audit team members;
``(B) conduct an annual audit for each year the 
State is participating in an agreement under this 
subsection;
``(C) in the case of an agreement with a duration 
of more than 5 years, conduct a comprehensive audit 
covering the first 5 years of such agreement;
``(D) complete each audit within 180 days, 
including time for public comment and responses;
``(E) make all audits available to the public for 
comment; and
``(F) respond to public comments not later than 60 
days after the last day of the comment period.
``(10) Monitoring.--After a State has been participating in 
an agreement under this subsection for 4 years, the 
Administrator shall continue to monitor the compliance of such 
State with the agreement, including whether the State is 
providing enough funding to meet the obligations of such 
agreement.
``(11) Report to congress.--The Administrator shall submit 
to Congress an annual report that describes the administration 
of this subsection.
``(12) Relationship to locally administered projects.--A 
State assuming authority under a written agreement under this 
subsection may, as appropriate and at the request of a local 
government--
``(A) exercise such authority on behalf of the 
local government for a locally administered project; or
``(B) provide guidance and training on 
consolidating and minimizing the documentation and 
environmental analyses necessary for sponsors of a 
locally administered project to comply with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) and any comparable requirements under 
State law.
``(13) Agency deemed to be federal agency.--A State agency 
assuming responsibility under an agreement under this 
subsection shall be deemed to be an agency for the purposes of 
section 2412 of title 28, United States Code.
``(d) Definition of Applicable Building Codes.--In this section, 
the term `applicable building codes' has the meaning given the term in 
section 409(b)(11).
``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall alter or 
affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to other Federal actions taken under this 
Act or under any other provisions of law.''.

SEC. 105. UNIFIED FEDERAL REVIEW.

Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by striking section 
429 and inserting the following:

``SEC. 429. COORDINATION OF REQUIRED FEDERAL REVIEWS.

``(a) In General.--In order to expedite disaster recovery, the 
Administrator shall establish a unified interagency review process to 
ensure compliance with environmental and historical requirements under 
Federal law, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 
1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.), relating to projects carried out 
through assistance provided under this Act, consistent with applicable 
law.
``(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and in consultation with the Council 
on Environmental Quality and the Advisory Council on Historic 
Preservation, the Administrator shall--
``(1) formulate and implement administrative, procedural, 
and policy mechanisms to enable the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency to act as the lead agency ensuring completion 
of the environmental and historical review process for projects 
in a timely, coordinated, and responsible manner;
``(2) carry out the obligations of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency with respect to a project under any other 
applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction with, other 
environmental and historical reviews and authorizations being 
conducted by other cooperating and participating agencies, with 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the lead agency; and
``(3) in the case in which an environmental impact 
statement is required for a project, prepare one document under 
section 107(b) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)) for such project unless the lead agency 
provides justification in the coordinated project plan that 
multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project 
review and authorization.
``(c) Considerations.--
``(1) In general.--As early as practicable during an 
environmental and historical review, but not later than the 
commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation 
of an environmental impact statement under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the 
lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies to determine 
the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a 
project.
``(2) Cooperation.--The lead agency and each cooperating 
and participating agency shall work cooperatively to identify 
and resolve issues that could delay completion of an 
environmental and historical review or authorization required 
for the project under applicable law or result in the denial of 
any approval under applicable law, including--
``(A) the need for mitigation actions justified by 
the risk of natural hazards that are consistent with 
the geographic area in which the major disaster 
occurred; and
``(B) compliance challenges that may arise as a 
result of the ongoing recovery from a major disaster.
``(3) Range of alternatives.--The lead agency shall 
determine the range of reasonable alternatives for 
consideration in any document that the lead agency is 
responsible for preparing in the environmental and historical 
review for the project.
``(4) Methodologies.--The lead agency shall determine, in 
collaboration with each cooperating and participating agency at 
appropriate times during the review, the methodologies to be 
used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each 
alternative determined under paragraph (3) for a project.
``(5) Responsibilities.--
``(A) Lead agency.--The lead agency (as such term 
is defined in section 111 of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)) shall make 
information available to each cooperating and 
participating agency and State as early as practicable 
in the environmental and historical review regarding 
the environmental, historic, and socioeconomic 
resources located within the project area and the 
general locations of the alternatives determined under 
paragraph (3) under consideration.
``(B) Cooperating and participating agencies.--As 
early as practicable during an environmental and 
historical review, cooperating and participating 
agencies (as such terms are defined in section 111 of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4336e)) shall identify any issues of concern 
regarding any potential environmental or historical 
impacts of the project, including any issues that could 
substantially delay or prevent an agency from 
completing any environmental or historical review or 
authorization required for the project, and communicate 
any issues to the State.
``(6) Public comment.--The lead agency shall establish a 
comment period of not less than 45 days and not more than 60 
days after the date on which a notice announcing availability 
of the environmental impact statement is published in the 
Federal Register to solicit comments from an agency or the 
public on a draft environmental impact statement, unless--
``(A) the lead agency, the State, and any 
cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
``(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each 
cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good 
cause.
``(7) Record of decision.--Not later than 90 days after the 
date on which a final environmental impact statement is issued, 
Federal agencies shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
issue a record of decision for such environmental impact 
statement.
``(8) Categories of projects.--The authorities granted 
under this section may be exercised for an individual project 
or a category of projects.
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect the applicability of section 316 to projects 
eligible under such section.''.

SEC. 106. BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``TITLE VIII--BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS

``SEC. 801. BLOCK GRANTS FOR SMALL DISASTERS.

``(a) In General.--The Governor of a State or the governing body of 
an Indian tribal government for the area in which a covered small 
disaster occurs may request a lump sum payment of the estimated damages 
calculated under subsection (b) for such disaster in lieu of any 
assistance under the Public Assistance Program for such disaster.
``(b) Calculation.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 
206.47(b) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, a payment under 
subsection (a) shall be equal to the amount that is 80 percent of the 
total estimated cost of the Federal share under the Public Assistance 
Program for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the 
State or Indian tribal government requesting such payment.
``(c) Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--A State or Indian tribal government 
receiving a payment under this section may not receive 
assistance under the Public Assistance Program with respect to 
the covered small disaster for which a payment was accepted 
under this section.
``(2) Final payment.--
``(A) In general.--A payment under this section may 
not be increased or decreased based on actual costs 
calculated for a covered small disaster.
``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), 
the Administrator may adjust a payment under this 
section in the event of unforeseen circumstances at no 
fault of the applicant.
``(3) Selection of option.--A State or Indian tribal 
government may designate to the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency on an annual basis the interest of such State or Indian 
tribal government in participating in the small disaster 
authority.
``(4) Indication.--A State or Indian tribal government 
shall indicate at the time of the submission of a request for a 
major disaster declaration that such State or Indian tribal 
government is requesting assistance for such incident under 
this section.
``(5) Timing requirement.--The Administrator and the State 
or Indian tribal government shall--
``(A) reach an agreement on the amount under 
subsection (b) not later than 90 days after the 
incident; or
``(B) administer the incident under the procedures 
and authorities for the Public Assistance Program.
``(6) Administrative plan.--To be eligible for assistance 
under this section, a State or Indian tribal government shall 
have an administrative plan approved by the Administrator in 
place at the time of the obligation of funds provided under 
this section.
``(d) Approval of Funds.--The Administrator shall approve funding 
for eligible disasters not later than 90 days after a receipt of a 
complete application, including all required cost estimates and 
supporting documentation, from the applicant. In evaluating whether 
such cost estimate is accurate and reasonable, the Administrator may 
not consider preexisting condition.
``(e) Availability of Funds.--Not later than 30 days after the 
approval of an application under this section, the Administrator shall 
make the grant funds available to the applicant.
``(f) Use of Funds.--A State or Indian tribal government receiving 
a payment under this section may use such payment for recovery for the 
covered small disaster in any manner determined appropriate by the 
respective Governor or governing body of such State or Indian tribal 
government if such funds--
``(1) address impacts and needs resulting from the declared 
disaster incident;
``(2) are provided to State, Indian tribal government, 
territorial and local government agencies, and private 
nonprofit entities eligible for Public Assistance Program 
funding; and
``(3) are used in a manner that complies with applicable 
environmental, historic preservation, and civil rights laws 
(including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act 
of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.)) and any applicable 
resiliency standards under section 203.
``(g) Compliance With Other Laws and Regulations.--A State or 
Indian tribal government shall be responsible for ensuring compliance 
under subsection (f)(3).
``(h) Report to FEMA.--A State or governing body of an Indian 
tribal government shall submit to the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency an annual report of expenses for a covered small disaster in the 
area of jurisdiction of the respective State or Indian tribal 
government.
``(i) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to--
``(1) affect the eligibility of a State or Indian tribal 
government for assistance under section 404; or
``(2) affect any program in title IV or V that is not a 
Public Assistance Program.
``(j) Inspector General Review.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, and annually thereafter, the 
inspector general of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
established in section 14 of such Act shall conduct a review and submit 
to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and 
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a 
report containing--
``(1) information on the number of States and Indian tribal 
governments that--
``(A) have designated to the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency interest in participating in the 
small disaster authority under subsection (c)(3); and
``(B) have requested assistance under this section;
``(2) a sampling of the reports submitted to the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency under subsection (h) and an 
assessment, based on such reports, on whether funds provided 
under this section for recovery from covered small disasters 
have been used to address impacts and needs resulting from such 
disasters; and
``(3) any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have 
been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution.
``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered small disaster.--The term `covered small 
disaster' means a major disaster declared under section 401 or 
an emergency declared under section 501 with estimated damage 
eligible under the Public Assistance Program of less than or 
equal to 125 percent of the State's per capita indicator.
``(2) Public assistance program.--The term `Public 
Assistance Program' means the programs under sections 403, 406, 
407, 409, and 502.''.

SEC. 107. COMMON SENSE DEBRIS REMOVAL.

(a) In General.--Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5173) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``, whenever he 
determines it to be in the public interest,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Prohibition on Additional Requirements.--Except as required 
under subsection (b), the President may not impose any additional 
requirements for authorizing the removal of debris and wreckage on 
publicly and privately owned lands and waters, or for making grants for 
the purpose of such removal, under this section.''.
(b) Guidance.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall revise any guidance or regulations as necessary 
to reflect the amendments made by this section.
(c) Best Practices.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
certain types of payment structures for debris removal service 
contracts create challenges for effective oversight, and 
disincentivize effective clean-up, and increases costs.
(2) Effective contracts.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(A) complete a review of contracting for debris 
removal services; and
(B) develop best practices for such contracts that 
ensure effective debris removal, speed, and appropriate 
accountability of costs and oversight of performance.

SEC. 108. DISASTER MANAGEMENT COSTS MODERNIZATION.

(a) In General.--Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting the 
margins accordingly; and
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i), as so 
redesignated, by striking ``provide the following 
percentage rates'' and inserting ``provide
``(A) excess funds for management costs as 
described in subsection (c); and
``(B) the following percentage rates'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Use of Excess Funds for Management Costs.--
``(1) Definition of excess funds for management costs.--In 
this subsection, the term `excess funds for management costs' 
means the difference between--
``(A) the amount of the applicable specific 
management costs authorized under subsection (b)(1) and 
subsection (b)(2)(B); and
``(B) as of the date on which the grant award is 
closed, the amount of funding for management costs 
activities expended by the grantee or subgrantee 
receiving the financial assistance for costs described 
in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Availability of excess funds for management costs.--
The President may make available to a grantee or subgrantee 
receiving financial assistance under section 403, 404, 406, 
407, 409, or 502 any excess funds for management costs.
``(3) Use of funds.--Excess funds for management costs made 
available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) may be 
used for--
``(A) activities associated with building capacity 
to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts 
of a major disaster or emergency declared under section 
401 or 501, respectively; and
``(B) management costs associated with any--
``(i) major disaster;
``(ii) emergency;
``(iii) disaster preparedness measure; or
``(iv) mitigation activity or measure 
authorized under section 203, 204, 205, or 404.
``(4) Availability.--Excess funds for management costs made 
available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph (2) shall 
remain available to the grantee or subgrantee until the date 
that is 5 years after the date on which the excess funds for 
management costs are made available under paragraph (2).''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
apply with respect to any grant award in relation to a major disaster 
or emergency declared under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170, 5191)--
(1) the declaration of which is made on or after the date 
of enactment of this Act; and
(2) that is funded with amounts appropriated on or after 
the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) No Additional Funds.--No additional funds are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).

SEC. 109. STREAMLINING AND CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION COLLECTION AND 
PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.

(a) In General.--Section 1223 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act 
of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 1223. STUDY TO STREAMLINE AND CONSOLIDATE INFORMATION COLLECTION 
AND PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.

``(a) Information Collection.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the 
Disaster Assistance Working Group of the Council of the Inspectors 
General on Integrity and Efficiency, and other appropriate agencies, 
shall--
``(1) conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with 
law, under which the collection of information from disaster 
assistance applicants and grantees will be modified, 
streamlined, expedited, efficient, flexible, consolidated, and 
simplified to be less burdensome, duplicative, and time-
consuming for applicants and grantees; and
``(2) develop a plan for the regular collection and 
reporting of information on Federal disaster assistance 
awarded, including the establishment and maintenance of a 
website for presenting the information to the public.
``(b) Preliminary Damage Assessments.--Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator, in 
consultation with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity 
and Efficiency, shall convene a working group on a regular basis with 
the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the Office of Management and 
Budget, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator 
of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Transportation, 
the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and other 
appropriate agencies as the Administrator considers necessary, to--
``(1) identify and describe the potential areas of 
duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments 
after disaster declarations;
``(2) determine the applicability of having one Federal 
agency make the assessments for all agencies; and
``(3) identify potential emerging technologies, such as 
unmanned aircraft systems, consistent with the requirements 
established in the FEMA Accountability, Modernization and 
Transparency Act of 2017 (42 U.S.C. 5121 note), to expedite the 
administration of preliminary damage assessments.
``(c) Comprehensive Report.--The Administrator shall submit 1 
comprehensive report that comprises the plans developed under 
subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) and a report of the findings of the 
working group convened under subsection (b), which may include 
recommendations, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
``(d) Public Availability.--The comprehensive report required under 
subsection (c) shall be made available to the public and posted on the 
website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency--
``(1) in precompressed, easily downloadable versions that 
are made available in all appropriate formats; and
``(2) in machine-readable format, if applicable.
``(e) Sources of Information.--In preparing the comprehensive 
report under subsection (c), the Administrator may use any publication, 
database, or web-based resource, and any information compiled by any 
government agency, nongovernmental organization, or other entity that 
is made available.
``(f) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after submission of the 
comprehensive report, the Administrator and a member of the Council of 
the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall brief, upon 
request, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the findings and any 
recommendations made in the comprehensive report.
``(g) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the submission 
of the comprehensive report under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall implement any recommendations contained in such report.''.
(b) Technical Amendment.--The item relating to section 1223 in the 
table of contents of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-254) is amended to read as follows:

``Sec. 1223. Study to streamline and consolidate information collection 
and preliminary damage assessments.''.

SEC. 110. REASONABLE INCIDENT PERIODS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall convene an advisory panel consisting of 
emergency management personnel to assist the Agency in reviewing the 
process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods 
for all hazards for emergencies or major disasters declared under the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The advisory panel convened under 
subsection (a) shall consist of at least 2 representatives from 
national emergency management organizations, at least 2 
relevant county officials, at least 1 representative from the 
National Weather Service, and at least 5 representatives from 
each of the 10 regions of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency selected from emergency management personnel employed by 
State, local, territorial, or Tribal authorities within each 
region.
(2) Inclusion on panel.--To the furthest extent 
practicable, representation on the advisory panel shall include 
emergency management personnel from rural, urban, 
underrepresented, Tribal, and insular jurisdictions and 
representatives of State or local governments with 
responsibility for the financial or budgetary impact of 
disasters.
(c) Considerations.--In reviewing the process and procedures 
related to the determination of incident periods under subsection (a), 
the advisory panel convened under such subsection shall consider the 
effectiveness of incident periods, including--
(1) incident periods for slow onset disasters;
(2) incident periods for correlated noncontiguous 
disasters;
(3) incident periods for compound disasters; and
(4) incident periods for cascading disasters.
(d) Interim Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress, and 
make publicly available, a report regarding the findings of the review 
under this section that includes any recommendations of the advisory 
panel convened under subsection (a), including additional legislation 
that may be necessary to address such findings.
(e) Final Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate a report discussing--
(1) a summary of the findings of the advisory panel 
convened under subsection (a);
(2) the implementation of recommendations from such 
advisory panel; and
(3) any additional legislative recommendations necessary to 
improve the effectiveness of incident periods.
(f) Rulemaking.--Immediately following a 30-day congressional 
review period of the report described in subsection (e), the 
Administrator shall begin a rulemaking to issue such regulations as are 
necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory panel.

SEC. 111. FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM POLICY.

Section 420(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
and'';
(2) by striking ``local government for the mitigation'' and 
inserting the following: ``local government for--
``(1) the mitigation''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) assessments and emergency stabilization to protect 
public safety irrespective of the incident period for a 
declared fire.''.

SEC. 112. INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENT ELIGIBILITY.

(a) In General.--Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, Indian tribal 
government,'' before ``or local government'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as 
subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Procedure for Request.--The Governor of a State or the Chief 
Executive of an Indian tribal government affected by a fire described 
in subsection (a) may directly submit a request to authorize assistance 
under this section.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit an 
Indian tribal government from receiving assistance under this section 
pursuant to an authorization made at the request of a State under 
subsection (b) if assistance is not authorized under this section for 
the same incident based on a request by the Indian tribal government 
under subsection (b).''.
(b) Regulations.--
(1) Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the President shall issue regulations 
updating part 204 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
carry out the amendments made by subsection (a).
(2) Contents.--In issuing the regulations required under 
paragraph (1), the President shall--
(A) authorize the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency to directly receive a request for a fire 
management assistance declaration from an Indian Tribal 
Government and directly provide related grants and 
resources to Indian Tribal Governments;
(B) clarify that Indian Tribal Governments for 
which the President does not grant a request described 
in subparagraph (A) remain eligible to receive 
assistance under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5187) through assistance granted under a fire 
management assistance declaration made at the request 
of a State;
(C) consider the unique conditions that affect the 
general welfare of Indian Tribal governments; and
(D) enter into government-to-government 
consultation with Indian Tribal Governments regarding 
the regulations.
(3) Fire management assistance declaration defined.--In 
this subsection, the term ``fire management assistance 
declaration'' means a declaration approved under section 
204.21(a) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 113. STRENGTHENING CLOSEOUTS FOR CRITICAL SERVICES.

Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``or owner or operator of a private 
nonprofit facility'' after ``State or local government'' each 
place it appears;
(2) by inserting ``or owner or operator of a private 
nonprofit facility'' after ``Federal, State, or local 
government'' each place it appears; and
(3) by inserting ``or owners or operators of private 
nonprofit facilities'' after ``State, local, or Indian tribal 
governments''.

SEC. 114. SHELTERING OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL.

Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(e) Sheltering of Emergency Response Personnel.--
``(1) In general.--For any major disaster for which the 
President has authorized emergency protective measures for an 
area within the jurisdiction of a State, Indian tribal, or 
local government, the Administrator may reimburse the State, 
Indian tribal, or local government for costs relating to 
sheltering emergency response personnel, including individuals 
that are a part of the same predisaster household as such 
personnel, in exclusive-use congregate or noncongregate 
settings if the Governor of the State or chief executive of the 
Indian tribal or local government determines that the damage or 
disruption to such area is of such a magnitude as to disrupt 
the provision of emergency protective measures within such 
area.
``(2) Limitation of assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator may only 
reimburse a State, Indian tribal, or local government 
for the costs of sheltering emergency response 
personnel under paragraph (1) for such a period of time 
as the Administrator determines reasonable based in the 
individual characteristics of and impacts to the 
affected area, including the extent of damage, the 
availability of alternative housing options, the 
availability of utilities, and disruptions to 
transportation infrastructure.
``(B) Maximum duration of reimbursement.--The 
period of reimbursement under subparagraph (A) may not 
exceed the 6-month period beginning on the date on 
which the incident period ends.
``(3) Definition of emergency response personnel.--In this 
subsection, the term `emergency response personnel' means--
``(A) employees or contracted employees providing 
law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, emergency 
medical, emergency management, or emergency 
communications services; and
``(B) elected officials, except Members of 
Congress, responsible for the overseeing or directing 
emergency response operations or recovery 
activities.''.

SEC. 115. EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO FIGHT FLOODING DAMAGE.

Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is further amended by adding at the 
end the following:
``(f) Further Emergency Protective Measures.--
``(1) In general.--In cases in which an owner or operator 
of a stormwater pumping station engages in flood fighting 
activities during emergency protective measures or emergency 
work authorized by this section, the President shall reimburse 
such owner or operator in accordance with applicable equipment 
rates regardless of whether or not such pumping stations 
contain temporary or permanently mounted or affixed equipment.
``(2) Flood fighting activities defined.--In this 
subsection, the term `flood fighting activities' includes 
dewatering behind a levee by breaching or pumping.''.

SEC. 116. FAIRNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN APPEALS.

Section 423 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189a) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(e) Attorney's Fees.--In cases in which the Board decides in 
favor of the applicant or otherwise concludes there is an error on the 
part of the Administrator in denial of assistance, the Administrator 
shall reimburse the applicant for attorney's fees.''.

SEC. 117. EXPEDITED FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY WORK.

Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amending by adding at the end the 
following:
``(e) Disbursement.--Reimbursements provided under this section 
shall be disbursed to the applicant not later than 120 days after the 
applicant submits a request for reimbursement if the President 
determines at least 90 percent of estimated costs are eligible for such 
reimbursement.''.

SEC. 118. CONSISTENCY IN PROCUREMENT PRACTICES.

For the purposes of applying the procurement standards under part 
200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations to assistance provided 
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), local governments shall be treated as a 
State or Tribal government under section 200.317 of title 2, Code of 
Federal Regulations.

TITLE II--INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE REFORMS

SEC. 201. INFORMATION SHARING FOR FEDERAL AGENCIES.

(a) Establishment of Unified Disaster Application System.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall establish and maintain a web-based 
interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known 
as the ``unified disaster application system'', to--
(A) facilitate the administration of the universal 
application for direct Federal disaster assistance 
established under section 202;
(B) carry out the purposes of disaster assistance 
programs swiftly, efficiently, and in accordance with 
applicable laws, regulations, and the privacy and data 
protections provided under this section; and
(C) support the detection, prevention, and 
investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination 
in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
(2) Authorities of administrator.--In establishing and 
maintaining the unified disaster application system under this 
subsection, the Administrator may collect and maintain disaster 
assistance information received from a disaster assistance 
agency, a block grant recipient, or an applicant for a disaster 
assistance program and share such information with any other 
disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient using such 
system.
(3) Requirements.--The Administrator shall ensure that the 
unified disaster application system established and maintained 
under this subsection--
(A) allows an applicant to receive status updates 
on an application for disaster assistance programs 
submitted though such system;
(B) allows for applicants to update disaster 
assistance information throughout the recovery journeys 
of such applicants in accordance with established 
application timeframes;
(C) allows for the distribution to applicants of 
information about additional recovery resources that 
may be available in a disaster stricken area;
(D) provides an applicant with information and 
documentation relating to an application for a disaster 
assistance program submitted by such applicant; and
(E) contains any other capabilities determined 
necessary by the head of a disaster assistance agency.
(b) Data Security.--The Administrator may facilitate the collection 
of disaster assistance information into the unified disaster 
application system established under subsection (a) only after the 
following requirements have been met:
(1) The Administrator certifies that the unified disaster 
application system substantially complies with the data 
security standards and best practices established pursuant to 
subchapter II of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, 
and any other applicable Federal information security policy.
(2) The Administrator publishes a privacy impact assessment 
for the unified disaster application system, in accordance with 
section 208(b)(1)(B) of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 
3501 note).
(3) The Administrator, after consulting with disaster 
assistance agencies, publishes standard rules of behavior for 
disaster assistance agencies, block grant recipients, and 
personnel granted access to disaster assistance information to 
protect such information from improper disclosure.
(c) Collection and Sharing of Additional Records and Information.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize the 
additional collection, maintenance, sharing, and use of 
disaster assistance information by publishing a notice on the 
unified disaster application system established under 
subsection (a) that includes a detailed description of--
(A) the specific amendments to the collection, 
maintenance, and sharing of disaster assistance 
information authorized;
(B) why each such amendment to how disaster 
assistance information is collected, maintained, or 
shared is necessary to carry out the purposes of a 
disaster assistance program and consistent with the 
fair information practice principles; and
(C) the disaster assistance agencies and block 
grant recipients that will be granted access to the 
additional information to carry out the purposes of any 
disaster assistance program.
(2) Notice and publication requirements.--The publication 
of a notice under paragraph (1) of a revision to the unified 
disaster application system of records prior to any new 
collection, or uses, of Privacy Act categories of records, to 
carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program with 
regard to a disaster declared by the President under section 
401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191), shall be 
deemed to satisfy the notice and publication requirements of 
section 552a(e)(4) of title 5, United States Code, for the 
entire period of performance for any assistance provided under 
a disaster assistance program.
(3) Waiver of information collection requirements.--
(A) In general.--Upon the declaration of a major 
disaster or emergency pursuant to sections 401 or 501 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 5191) by the President, 
the Administrator may waive the requirements of 
subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States 
Code, with respect to voluntary collection of 
information for the entire period of performance for 
any assistance provided under a disaster assistance 
program.
(B) Transparency.--Upon exercising the waiver 
authority under subparagraph (A), the Administrator 
shall--
(i) promptly post on a website of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency a brief 
justification for such waiver, the anticipated 
period of time such waiver will be in effect, 
and the disaster assistance offices within the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency to which 
such waiver shall apply; and
(ii) update the information relating to 
such waiver, as applicable.
(4) GAO review of waiver of information collection 
requirements.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall issue a report describing 
the benefits and potential risks associated with 
authorizing the waiver of the information collection 
requirements described in paragraph (3).
(B) Contents.--The report required under 
subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of the 
extent to which a waiver described in paragraph (3) 
would--
(i) affect the paperwork burden for 
individuals, small businesses, State, local, 
and Tribal governments, and other persons;
(ii) affect the consistent application of 
Federal laws relating to--
(I) privacy and confidentiality;
(II) security of information; and
(III) access to information; and
(iii) encourage or deter a State or other 
entity from participating in the voluntary 
collection of information for the duration of a 
major disaster or emergency.
(d) Use by Other Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator may permit a Federal 
agency other than a disaster assistance agency listed in 
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (f)(3) to use the 
unified disaster application system established under 
subsection (a) for the purpose of facilitating disaster-related 
assistance if such agency enters into an agreement containing 
the terms described in paragraph (2).
(2) Agency agreement.--An agreement entered into under 
paragraph (1) shall contain the following terms:
(A) The Federal agency shall--
(i) collect, share, maintain, and use 
disaster assistance information in compliance 
with this section and any policies of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and any 
information protection and use policies of such 
Federal agency; and
(ii) train any personnel granted access to 
disaster assistance information on the rules of 
behavior established by the Administrator under 
subsection (b)(3).
(B) In the event of any unauthorized disclosure of 
disaster assistance information, the Federal agency 
shall--
(i) notify the Administrator within 24 
hours of discovering any such unauthorized 
disclosure;
(ii) cooperate fully with the Administrator 
in the investigation and remediation of any 
such disclosure;
(iii) cooperate fully in the prosecution of 
a person responsible for such disclosure; and
(iv) assume the responsibility for any 
compensation, civil liability, or other 
remediation measures, whether awarded by a 
judgment of a court or agreed as a compromise 
of any potential claims by or on behalf of an 
applicant, including by obtaining credit 
monitoring and remediation services, for an 
improper disclosure that is--
(I) caused, directly or indirectly, 
by the acts or omissions of officers, 
employees, and contractors of the 
agency; or
(II) from any electronic system of 
records that is created or maintained 
by the agency pursuant to section 
552a(e) of title 5, United States Code.
(3) Publication of agency agreement.--The Administrator 
shall publish an agency agreement entered into under this 
subsection on the same website as the unified disaster 
application system established under subsection (a).
(e) Rule of Construction.--The sharing and use of disaster 
assistance information that is subject to the requirements of section 
552a of title 5, United States Code, by disaster assistance agencies 
and block grant recipients--
(1) shall not be--
(A) construed as a matching program for purposes of 
section 552a(a)(8) of such title; or
(B) subject to the remaining computer matching 
provisions of section 552a of such title; and
(2) shall be in addition to any other law providing for the 
sharing or use of such information.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Applicant.--The term ``applicant'' means--
(A) a person who applies for disaster assistance 
from a disaster assistance program; and
(B) a person on whose behalf a person described in 
subparagraph (A) has applied for disaster assistance.
(2) Block grant recipient.--The term ``block grant 
recipient'' means a State, local government, or Tribal 
government that receives assistance through the disaster 
assistance program described in paragraph (5)(B)(i).
(3) Disaster assistance agency.--The term ``disaster 
assistance agency'' means--
(A) the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(B) the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development;
(C) the Small Business Administration;
(D) the Department of Agriculture; and
(E) any other Federal agency that the Administrator 
permits to use the unified disaster application system 
under subsection (d).
(4) Disaster assistance information.--The term ``disaster 
assistance information'' includes any personal, demographic, 
biographical, geographical, financial information, or other 
information that a disaster assistance agency or block grant 
recipient is authorized to collect, maintain, share, or use to 
process an application for disaster assistance or otherwise 
carry out a disaster assistance program.
(5) Disaster assistance program.--The term ``disaster 
assistance program'' means--
(A) any program that provides assistance to 
individuals and households under title IV or title V of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.); or
(B) any other assistance program carried out by a 
disaster assistance agency that provides assistance to 
an individual, household, or organization related to a 
major disaster or emergency declared under section 401 
or 501 of such Act, including--
(i) assistance for activities related to 
disaster relief, long-term recovery, 
restoration of infrastructure and housing, 
economic revitalization, and mitigation that 
are authorized under title I of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 
5301 et seq.);
(ii) any loan that is authorized under 
section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 
U.S.C. 636(b)); and
(iii) the distribution of food benefit 
allotments as authorized under section 412 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5179) and 
section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 
U.S.C. 2014(h)).

SEC. 202. UNIVERSAL APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) Universal Application.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency shall develop and establish a universal 
application for direct Federal disaster assistance for individuals in 
areas impacted by emergencies or disasters.
(b) Consultation and Support.--
(1) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator shall consult with the following:
(A) The Director of the Office of Management and 
Budget.
(B) The Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration.
(C) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(D) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) Support.--The entities described in paragraph (1) shall 
provide prompt support to the Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency.
(c) Survey.--The application established under subsection (a) shall 
include a voluntary survey to collect the demographic data of an 
applicant.

SEC. 203. CLARIFYING DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS.

(a) Authority.--Paragraph (4) of section 312(b) of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5155(b)(4)), as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254)--
(1) is restored and revived; and
(2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Prohibition on income threshold.--In carrying 
out this paragraph, no income threshold may be applied 
to limit the eligibility of a recipient from qualifying 
for a waiver under this paragraph.
``(E) Applicability.--This paragraph shall apply to 
any major disaster or emergency declared by the 
President under section 401 or 501, respectively, on or 
after January 1, 2016.''.
(b) Statutory Construction.--Section 312(b)(4) of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5155(b)(4)), as restored and revived by subsection (a), shall not be 
construed to apply to section 406, 408, or 409 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
5172, 5174).
(c) Further Amendment.--Section 312(a) of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(a)) is 
amended by striking ``or any other source''.

SEC. 204. CRISIS COUNSELING AND ADDICTION IN DISASTERS.

(a) Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training.--Section 416 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5183) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``, substance use, or alcohol 
use'' after ``private mental health''; and
(B) by inserting ``, substance use, and alcohol 
use'' after ``relieve mental health''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting ``, substance use, or 
alcohol use'' before ``organization providing''.
(b) Report on Changes to Application.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Assistant 
Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the Director for the 
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and State alcohol and drug 
agencies, shall review, adjust, and report to Congress any changes made 
to the application for assistance under section 416 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) 
and to any other relevant guidance documents to reflect the amendments 
made by this section.
(c) GAO Report to Congress.--The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a review of the assistance provided under the 
crisis counseling assistance and training program established pursuant 
to section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) and submit to Congress a report 
describing--
(1) the duration of assistance provided to individuals 
under such program; and
(2) the compliance of the Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency with the requirement that such 
assistance may only be used for mental health, substance use, 
and alcohol use problems caused or aggravated by a major 
disaster or its aftermath.
(d) Management Costs.--Section 324(b)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b(b)(2)) is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Individual assistance.--A grantee under 
section 408(f) may be reimbursed not more than 12 
percent of the total award amount under each such 
section.
``(D) Crisis counseling assistance, training, and 
case management services.--A grantee and subgrantee, 
cumulatively, may be reimbursed not more than 15 
percent of the total amount of the grant award under 
either section 416 or 426.''.
(e) Administrative Costs.--Section 408(f)(1) of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174), 
is amended--
(1) by striking ``(A) Grant to state.--'' and all that 
follows through ``subsection (g),'' and inserting ``Subject to 
subsection (g)''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B).

SEC. 205. REPAIR AND REBUILDING.

(a) In General.--Section 408(b)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(b)(1)) is 
amended--
(1) by striking ``rendered uninhabitable'' and inserting 
``damaged by a major disaster''; and
(2) by striking ``uninhabitable, as a result of damage 
caused by a major disaster'' and inserting ``damaged by a major 
disaster''.
(b) Hazard Mitigation.--Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is 
amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Hazard mitigation.--
``(A) In general.--The President may provide 
financial assistance to individuals and households 
whose primary residence, utilities, or residential 
infrastructure are damaged by a major disaster, for 
cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce 
threats to life and property, or future damage to such 
residence, utilities, or infrastructure in future 
disasters.
``(B) Relationship to other assistance.--A 
recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph 
shall not be required to show that the assistance can 
be met through other means, except insurance 
proceeds.''; and
(2) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, financial 
assistance for hazard mitigation under subsection 
(c)(5)(A),'' after ``subsection (c)(1)(A)(i)'';
(B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``paragraphs (1) 
and (2)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), and 
(3)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Hazard mitigation.--The maximum financial assistance 
any individual or household may receive under subsection (c)(5) 
shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in paragraph (1) 
with respect to a single major disaster.''.

SEC. 206. FEMA EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Section 403(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) minor repairs up to habitability of owner-
occupied homes damaged by the disaster in order for 
survivors to safely shelter in place, subject to the 
availability of appropriations.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Sheltering and housing options.--Not later than 15 
days after a declaration of a major disaster, the Federal 
coordinating officer shall identify all sheltering and housing 
options available under this section or section 408 to a State 
Governor, or the designated State coordinating officer.
``(6) Definition of minor repairs up to habitability.--In 
this subsection, the term `minor repairs up to habitability' 
means the minimum standards for permanent housing described in 
section 576.403(c) of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
successor regulations).''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency shall issue final regulations to implement the amendments made 
by this section.

SEC. 207. DIRECT ASSISTANCE.

(a) In General.--Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)) is further 
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Repairs.--
``(A) Financial assistance for repairs.--The 
President may provide financial assistance for the 
repair of owner-occupied private residences, utilities, 
and residential infrastructure (such as a private 
access route) damaged by a major disaster, or with 
respect to individuals with disabilities, rendered 
inaccessible by a major disaster.
``(B) Direct assistance for repairs.--
``(i) In general.--The President may 
provide direct assistance to individuals and 
households who are unable to make use of 
financial assistance under subparagraph (A) and 
when there is a lack of available resources, 
for--
``(I) the repair of owner-occupied 
private residences, utilities, and 
residential infrastructure (such as a 
private access route) damaged by a 
major disaster, or with respect to 
individuals with disabilities, rendered 
inaccessible by a disaster; and
``(II) eligible hazard mitigation 
measures that reduce the likelihood and 
future damage to such residences, 
utilities, and infrastructure.
``(ii) Eligibility.--A recipient of 
assistance under this subparagraph shall not be 
eligible for assistance under paragraph (1), 
unless otherwise determined by the 
Administrator.
``(C) Relationship to other assistance.--A 
recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph 
shall not be required to show that the assistance can 
be met through other means, except insurance 
proceeds.''.
(b) State Role.--Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is further 
amended--
(1) by striking ``subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e)'' 
each place it appears and inserting ``paragraphs (1)(B), 
(2)(B), and (4) of subsection (c) and subsection (e)''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(B), 
(c)(4), or (e)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)(B), (2)(B), or 
(4) of subsection (c) or subsection (e)''.

SEC. 208. ACCURATE INFORMATION TO DISASTER VICTIMS.

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall 
issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that an applicant for 
assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) that has indicated 
ownership of an insurance policy for a home or facility damaged by a 
major disaster declared under section 401 of such Act that is owned by 
such applicant does not receive a notice that indicates a denial of 
assistance before a final determination has been made regarding the 
approval or denial of a claim under such policy.

SEC. 209. IMPROVED NOTICES FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE.

(a) Period of Assistance.--Clauses (iii) and (iv) of section 
408(c)(1)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)) are amended by striking ``18-
month period'' and inserting ``24-month period''.
(b) Appeals.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency shall revise section 206.115 of title 44, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to 
provide to any applicant who appeals a determination of eligibility of 
assistance--
(1) any documentation used to make such determination, 
including any inspection documents that exist;
(2) a description of--
(A) the reasons for such determination; and
(B) recommended steps that could be taken to remedy 
a determination of ineligibility, including, as 
applicable, a list of additional documentation that the 
applicant may provide; and
(3) any inspection documents that exist not later than 10 
days after the completion of the inspection.
(c) Applicability.--This section and the amendment made by this 
section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 210. COMMON SENSE DISPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER VICTIMS.

Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(k) Duplication of Benefits.--
``(1) In general.--In determining eligibility for 
displacement assistance under this section, the President may 
not consider insurance a duplication of benefits for the 
purpose of applying section 312 of this Act.
``(2) Displacement assistance defined.--In this section, 
the term `displacement assistance' means assistance provided 
under this section for food, water, first aid, personal hygiene 
items, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, fuel for 
transportation, emergency supplies and to stay in a hotel or 
motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available 
housing options.''.

SEC. 211. STATE-MANAGED HOUSING AUTHORITY.

(a) In General.--Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``A State'' and inserting 
the following:
``(i) In general.--A State''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Transparency.--The President shall 
make public the criteria used to evaluate 
applications under clause (i) and determine if 
a State or Indian tribal government meets the 
criteria described in subparagraph (B) to 
administer grants described in paragraph 
(1)(A).'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (I) by striking ``; and'' 
and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subclause (II) by striking the 
period at the end and inserting a semicolon; 
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) outline the approach of the 
State to help disaster survivors create 
a permanent housing plan; and
``(IV) outline the approach of the 
State to provide individual disaster 
survivors some choice of communities 
and properties, as practicable.'';
(C) by striking subparagraph (F);
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (G), (H), (I), 
and (J) as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), and (I), 
respectively; and
(E) in subparagraph (I), as so redesignated--
(i) in clause (ii) by striking ``Not later 
than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this paragraph, the'' and inserting ``The''; 
and
(ii) in clause (iii) by striking ``2 
years'' and inserting ``10 years''; and
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' 
and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Disaster assistance.--In the case of assistance 
provided under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(2)(B), and (c)(4), 
the Federal share shall be not less than 75 percent.''.
(b) GAO Assessment.--Upon the expiration of the authority to carry 
out section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) as a pilot program, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a report on the 
effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any pilot program carried 
out pursuant to such section and make recommendations on how to improve 
the provision of assistance under such section.

SEC. 212. IMPROVED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

Section 408(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended 
by inserting ``, including local postdisaster rent increases,'' after 
``accommodation provided''.

SEC. 213. ONLINE GUIDES FOR POSTDISASTER ASSISTANCE.

(a) Use of Services of Other Agencies.--Section 201(a) of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5131(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7) by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) postdisaster assistance.''.
(b) Grants for Online Guides for Assistance.--Section 201 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5131) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Funding for Online Guides for Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency may provide funding to a State 
agency established under subsection (c) to establish, update, 
or operate a website to provide information relating to 
postdisaster recovery funding and resources to a community or 
an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency.
``(2) Management.--A website created under this subsection 
shall be--
``(A) managed by the State agency; and
``(B) suitable for the residents of the State of 
the State agency.
``(3) Content.--The Administrator may provide funding to a 
State agency under this subsection to establish a website that 
contains only 1 or more of the following:
``(A) A list of Federal, State, and local sources 
of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may 
be available to a community after a major disaster or 
emergency.
``(B) A list of Federal, State, and local sources 
of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may 
be available to an individual impacted by a major 
disaster or emergency.
``(C) A technical guide that lists and explains the 
costs and benefits of alternatives available to a 
community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster 
or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards such as 
flooding after a wildfire.
``(4) Cooperation.--A State agency that receives funding 
under this subsection shall cooperate with the Secretary of the 
Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small 
Business Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency in developing a website under this 
subsection.
``(5) Updates.--A State agency that receives funding to 
establish a website under this subsection shall update the 
website not less than once every 6 months.''.

SEC. 214. CLARIFYING SHELTERING ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY.

(a) Section 403.--Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Clarification of Sheltering Assistance Eligibility.--The 
Administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed, physical 
address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households 
applying for non-congregate sheltering assistance under this section, 
as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can 
demonstrate, through alternative means as determined by the 
Administrator, that such individual or household was residing within 
the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which 
assistance is being applied for through means, including shelter 
records or an affidavit.''.
(b) Section 408.--Section 408(c)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Clarification of sheltering assistance 
eligibility.--The Administrator shall not consider the 
absence of a fixed, physical address as a disqualifying 
factor for individuals or households applying for 
assistance under this section, as long as the 
individual or household applying for such assistance 
can demonstrate, through alternative means as 
determined by the Administrator, that such individual 
or household was residing within the disaster-affected 
area at the time of the disaster for which assistance 
is being applied for through means, including shelter 
records or an affidavit.''.

SEC. 215. ACCESS TO LIFESAVING NON-CONGREGATE SHELTERING.

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall 
ensure individuals and households that qualify for non-congregate 
sheltering assistance under section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) are not 
required to provide a credit card or security deposit to access such 
sheltering assistance.

SEC. 216. ASSISTANCE FOR TOTAL LOSS.

Section 408(c)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(3)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) Total loss.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of a total 
loss of an owner occupied residence, subject to 
section 312, and notwithstanding subsection (h) 
of such section, if the cost of direct 
assistance under paragraph (1)(B) exceeds the 
cost of replacement of such residence, the 
President may offer financial assistance for 
replacement of such residence.
``(ii) Report to congress.--In any case in 
which the President is authorized under clause 
(i) to provide financial assistance for 
replacement but does not offer such assistance, 
the President shall provide to Congress a 
report explaining the rationale for the 
decision not to provide such assistance.''.

TITLE III--MITIGATION REFORMS

SEC. 301. PREAPPROVED PROJECT MITIGATION PLANS.

Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(f) Preapproved Project Mitigation Plans.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to carry out projects 
pursuant to the requirements of this subsection, a State or 
Indian tribal government shall, in consultation with 
appropriately licensed professionals (as such term is defined 
in section 409(b)(5)), develop and submit to the President a 
preapproved project mitigation plan.
``(2) Submission requirement.--If a State or Indian tribal 
government does not submit a plan under paragraph (1) not later 
than 3 years after the date of enactment of the FEMA Act of 
2025, the State or Indian tribal government shall not be 
eligible for an increased Federal share under subsection (c)(3) 
of section 409 for any assistance provided under such section.
``(3) Contents.--A preapproved mitigation plan described in 
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) a list of projects designed to mitigate 
damage caused by natural disasters that may occur in 
such State or the jurisdiction of the Indian tribal 
government, as applicable;
``(B) with respect to a State--
``(i) not fewer than 1 project for each 
county or county equivalent in the State; or
``(ii) a written description explaining why 
a county or county equivalent does not have a 
proposed project under the plan;
``(C) a detailed description of each project and 
the benefits of such project; and
``(D) an estimated cost for each project.
``(4) Eligible projects.--A project is eligible to be 
included in a preapproved project mitigation plan described in 
paragraph (1) if such project is eligible for assistance under 
section 203, 205, or 404.
``(5) Peer review of grant applications.--
``(A) Establishment.--The President shall establish 
a peer review process for a nonpartisan panel of at 
least 30 individuals with expertise related to 
emergency management, natural hazard mitigation for a 
wide variety of hazards, including flooding, tornadoes, 
wildfire, and earthquakes, or insurance underwriting to 
conduct peer reviews of--
``(i) the projects contained in plans 
submitted under this subsection; and
``(ii) previously denied projects 
resubmitted for approval and inclusion in a 
preapproved project mitigation plan.
``(B) Peer review panel requirements.--
``(i) Term of service.--The term of service 
for a member of the panel shall be 1 year.
``(ii) Limitation on service.--An 
individual may not serve consecutive terms on 
the panel.
``(iii) Solicitation.--Qualified 
individuals shall elect to serve on the panel 
following a solicitation by the President for 
prospective panel members.
``(C) Duties.--In establishing the peer review 
process under subparagraph (A), the President shall 
require that the peer review panel--
``(i) determine whether each project listed 
in a plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal 
government under paragraph (1) is cost-
effective and designed to reduce injuries, loss 
of life, and damage and destruction of 
property, including damage to critical services 
and facilities under the jurisdiction of the 
State and or Indian tribal government; and
``(ii) recommend to the President approval 
or denial of each such project not later than 3 
months after the submission of such plan.
``(D) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5, 
united states code.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United 
States Code, shall not apply to activities carried out 
under this paragraph.
``(6) Determination of plan approval.--
``(A) Initial determination.--Not later than 1 
month after receiving the recommendations under 
subparagraph (B)(ii), the President shall--
``(i) approve or deny each project in the 
plan submitted by a State or Indian tribal 
government;
``(ii) for any plan that contains a project 
that is approved, approve preapproved project 
mitigation plan as containing only the projects 
approved under clause (i); and
``(iii) for any plan that contains a 
project that is denied, notify the applicable 
State or Indian tribal government, including 
information on the reasons for such a denial 
and any information necessary for the State or 
Indian tribal government to update such project 
for resubmission.
``(B) Considerations for approval.--In approving a 
project under this subparagraph (A)(i), the President 
shall consider the following:
``(i) The findings and recommendations of 
the peer reviews carried out under paragraph 
(3).
``(ii) The degree to which the projects 
contained in the plan reduce deaths, injuries, 
and property damage by reducing the risks 
associated with natural disasters.
``(iii) The extent of the need of the 
entity to carry out the projects contained in 
the plan and the potential of such projects to 
mitigate hazards to the United States.
``(C) Technical assistance.--The President may 
provide technical assistance to a State or Indian 
tribal government with respect to which a project was 
denied under subparagraph (A)(i) to assist such State 
or Indian tribal government to resubmit the project for 
approval under this subsection.
``(D) Default approval.--If the President does not 
make a determination or provide notification under this 
paragraph, as applicable, with respect to a plan 
submitted under paragraph (1) not later than 1 month 
after the peer-review panel submits recommendations 
under paragraph (3)(B)(ii), such plan shall--
``(i) be deemed to be approved under this 
subsection; and
``(ii) consist of only the projects 
recommended for approval by the peer review 
panel under paragraph (3)(B)(ii).
``(E) Resubmittal of denied project.--In any case 
in which a project in a preapproved project mitigation 
plan is not approved, the State or Indian tribal 
government may redevelop and resubmit such project for 
approval at any time.
``(7) Effect of plan approval.--A project contained in a 
plan approved under this subsection shall be considered 
approved under section 203, 205, or 404, as applicable, and 
shall not be subject to any additional approval requirements, 
procedures, or reviews under any such section. The President 
shall accept revised cost estimates for projects listed in the 
preapproved project mitigation plan so long as the revised cost 
is necessary to complete the project as described in such plan, 
as determined by the President.
``(8) Additions of projects to the plan.--A State or Indian 
tribal government that has a plan approved under this 
subsection may submit an updated plan 2 years after the date on 
which such plan is approved, and every 2 years thereafter, that 
contains additional proposed projects. The President shall 
ensure that each additional project contained in such updated 
plan be subject to the approval project, including the peer-
review process, under this subsection.
``(9) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the discretion of a State or an Indian 
tribal government to prioritize or advance projects included in 
a mitigation approved by the President.''.

SEC. 302. REDUCING DISASTER COSTS AND PROTECTING LIVES.

(a) In General.--Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by striking ``or local government'' 
each place it appears;
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Local Government Distribution.--
``(1) Suballocations.--Each State that receives assistance 
under this section shall distribute not less than 50 percent of 
the funds allocated under subsection (f) to local governments 
carrying out mitigation projects under this section.
``(2) Distribution and reporting.--Not later than 60 days 
after receiving assistance under this section, the State shall 
distribute the suballocations pursuant to paragraph (1) or, in 
cases in which the assistance would be used for a project that 
is not contained in a preapproved project mitigation plan under 
section 322(f), the State shall provide the President with 
details on the mitigation measures for which such funds will be 
used by the local government.'';
(3) in subsection (e)(1)(B)--
(A) in clause (iii) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (iv) by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) to develop preapproved project 
mitigation plans pursuant to section 322(f).'';
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``on a competitive 
basis for mitigation activities that are cost-effective 
and in accordance with the criteria in subsection (g)'' 
and inserting ``to States and Indian tribal governments 
through the allocation under paragraphs (2) and (4) for 
mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in 
accordance with subsection (g)'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
following:
``(2) Allocation.--In providing financial assistance under 
this section, the President shall allocate available funds for 
a fiscal year among eligible States by formula as follows:
``(A) 40 percent of available funds shall be 
distributed equally among each eligible State.
``(B) 20 percent of available funds shall be 
distributed among each eligible State based on a 
sliding scale that provides the highest share of such 
funds to States that have the most vulnerability to 
natural hazards in the critical infrastructure of such 
States.
``(C) 20 percent of available funds shall be 
distributed among each eligible State based on a 
sliding scale that provides a higher share to States 
that have a higher population and a lower median 
income, using data from the most recent decennial 
census.
``(D) 20 percent of available funds shall be 
distributed among each eligible State based on a 
sliding scale that provides the highest share to States 
with the highest amount of approved projects located in 
communities that meet the definition of an economically 
distressed community under section 301.3(a) of title 
13, Code of Federal Regulations, or a rural area under 
section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).'';
(C) in paragraph (3)(B) by striking ``on a 
competitive basis''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Tribes.--Under this section, the President shall 
ensure that the amount of financial assistance made available 
to Indian tribal governments for a fiscal year is not less than 
$75,000,000.'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``In determining whether to provide 
technical and financial assistance to a State or local 
government under this section,'' and inserting ``In 
determining eligibility for technical and financial 
assistance under this section,''; and
(B) by striking ``, and take into account--'' and 
all that follows through the period at the end and 
inserting a period;
(6) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``mitigation 
activities approved by the President'' and inserting ``a 
mitigation activity funded under this section'';
(7) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``409,'' after 
``408,''; and
(B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``409,'' after 
``408,''; and
(8) by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Project Administration.--A State or local government under 
this section may provide funding for projects--
``(1) executed through a partnership established between 2 
or more eligible entities to carry out a project or similar 
projects;
``(2) undertaken by a private nonprofit facility;
``(3) undertaken as part of a public-private partnership; 
or
``(4) executed through a combination of other Federal 
mitigation programs, including the Federal mitigation program 
under section 404.''.
(b) Implementation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue policy and 
guidance to implement the amendments made by this section. Any existing 
regulations, policies, or guidance that are no longer applicable as a 
result of the amendments contained in this section or that conflict 
with the letter or intent of such amendments are deemed rescinded.

SEC. 303. RESILIENT BUILDINGS AND COMMUNITIES.

(a) Predisaster Hazard Mitigation.--Section 203 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) 
is further amended by inserting after subsection (l) the following:
``(m) Latest Published Editions Defined.--For purposes of 
subsections (e)(1)(B)(iv) and (g)(10), the term `latest published 
editions' means, with respect to relevant consensus-based codes, 
specifications, and standards, the 2 most recently published 
editions.''.
(b) Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program.--Section 
205(f)(5) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135(f)(5)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Establishing'' 
and insert ``Implementing'';
(2) by striking ``establish'' and insert ``implement'';
(3) by inserting ``2'' after ``latest''; and
(4) by inserting ``, including any amendments made by 
State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments to such codes, 
specifications, and standards,'' after ``standards''.
(c) Residential Retrofit and Resilience Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency shall carry out a residential 
resilience pilot program through the program established under 
section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to make available 
assistance to States and local governments for the purpose of 
providing grants to individuals for residential resilience 
retrofits.
(2) Amount of funds.--The Administrator may use not more 
than 10 percent across allocations of the assistance made 
available to applicants on an annual basis under section 203 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) to provide assistance under this 
subsection.
(3) Timeline.--The Administrator shall establish the pilot 
program under this subsection not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act and the program shall terminate 
on September 30, 2028.
(4) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program under this 
subsection, the Administrator shall ensure that a State or 
local government receiving assistance under the program 
provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need.
(5) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that includes--
(A) a summary of the grant awards and projects 
carried out under this subsection;
(B) a detailed compilation of results achieved by 
the grant awards and projects carried out under this 
subsection, including the number of homes receiving 
retrofits, the types and average costs of retrofits, 
demographic information for participants in the 
program, and estimate avoidance in disaster impacts and 
Federal disaster payments as a result of the grant 
investments; and
(C) any identified implementation challenges and 
recommendations for improvements to the pilot program.
(6) Applicability.--This subsection shall only apply to 
amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
(7) Residential resilient retrofits defined.--
(A) In general.--In this subsection, the term 
``residential resilient retrofits'' means a project 
that--
(i) is designed to increase the resilience 
of an existing home or residence using 
mitigation measures which the Administrator 
determines reduce damage and impacts from 
natural disaster hazards and risks that are 
most likely to occur in the area where the home 
is located; and
(ii) to the extent applicable, are 
consistent with the 2 most recently published 
editions of relevant consensus-based codes, 
specifications, and standards, including any 
amendments made by State, local, tribal, or 
territorial governments to such codes, 
specifications, and standards that incorporate 
the latest hazard-resistant designs and 
establish criteria for the design, 
construction, and maintenance of residential 
structures and facilities that may be eligible 
for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) for the purpose of 
protecting the health, safety, and general 
welfare of the buildings' users against 
disasters.
(B) Inclusion.--In this subsection, the term 
``residential resilient retrofits'' includes--
(i) elevations of homes and elevations of 
utilities within and around structures to 
mitigate damages;
(ii) floodproofing measures;
(iii) the construction of tornado-safe 
rooms;
(iv) seismic retrofits;
(v) wildfire retrofit and mitigation 
measures;
(vi) wind retrofits, including roof 
replacements, hurricane straps, and tie-downs; 
and
(vii) any other measures that meet the 
requirements of paragraph (1), as determined by 
the Administrator.

SEC. 304. STRENGTHENING HAZARD RISK REDUCTION.

(a) Improved Hazard Mitigation Delivery.--
(1) In general.--Section 404(c)(2) of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170c(c)(2)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``The President'' and all that 
follows through ``as a pilot program.''; and
(B) by striking ``The criteria shall'' inserting 
``The President shall establish criteria for the 
approval of applications submitted under paragraph (1) 
that''.
(2) Project consolidation.--Section 404 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Mitigation Project Consolidations.--
``(1) Eligible activities.--Notwithstanding section 312 and 
any regulations implementing such section, assistance provided 
under this section for a mitigation project may be used in 
combination with--
``(A) assistance provided under section 203; and
``(B) any other Federal assistance provided for 
such project.
``(2) Federal and non-federal share.--For purposes of the 
Federal share requirements of a mitigation project under this 
section--
``(A) any Federal assistance provided under section 
203 for such project shall be applied toward the 
Federal share required under this section; and
``(B) any non-Federal funds for such mitigation 
project that are specified to meet the Federal share 
requirements of section 203 may be used to meet the 
non-Federal share requirements under this section.
``(3) Total federal share.--Federal assistance provided for 
a mitigation project under this section and section 203 may not 
exceed the total Federal share for such project.
``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section 
shall--
``(A) affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard 
mitigation measure under this section;
``(B) affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard 
mitigation measure under this section or section 203; 
or
``(C) affect the cost share requirements of a 
federally authorized hazard mitigation project.''.
(b) Prepayment Relief for Hazard Mitigation.--Section 404(e) of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170c(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Advance Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The President may provide the total 
Federal share of the estimated cost of hazard mitigation 
measures to a State grantee eligible for a grant under this 
section before eligible costs are incurred.
``(2) Home retrofits.--The Administrator shall offer to 
advance assistance to applicants from such Federal share for 
purposes of home retrofits to improve resilience, including 
home elevations, totaling the total amount of the estimated 
Federal share of such project before eligible costs are 
incurred.''.
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply 
to a major disaster or emergency declared under such Act before the 
date of enactment of this Act for which the period for processing 
requests for assistance has not ended as of the date of enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 305. UTILITY RESILIENCY.

(a) In General.--Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Electric Utilities.--
``(1) Hazard mitigation activities.--An electric utility 
may carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities 
jointly or otherwise in combination with activities for the 
restoration of power carried out with assistance provided under 
this section.
``(2) Eligibility for additional assistance.--In any case 
in which an electric utility facility receives assistance under 
this section for the emergency restoration of power, the 
receipt of such assistance shall not render such facility 
ineligible for any hazard mitigation assistance under section 
406 for which such facility is otherwise eligible.''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall only 
apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 306. ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO HAZARD MITIGATION REVOLVING LOAN 
FUND.

Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5135) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(A) by inserting ``hazard 
mitigation, resilience, and'' before ``emergency management''; 
and
(2) in subsection (f)(1)(C) by striking ``2'' and inserting 
``4''.

SEC. 307. STREAMLINED HAZARD MITIGATION APPLICATION PROCESS.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall 
establish a consolidated grant application form for hazard mitigation 
funds provided under sections 203, 205, and 404 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133; 
5135; 5170c), to--
(1) facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation 
funds established under such sections;
(2) facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation 
funds established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 
1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) and section 322(f) of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (as 
added by this Act);
(3) ensure the provision of hazard mitigation assistance in 
accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
(4) reduce the administrative burden of the application and 
review process; and
(5) expedite the execution of grant agreements and the 
disbursement of funds.

SEC. 308. STUDY AND REPORT ON MITIGATION BENEFITS.

(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness, 
long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of nationwide hazard 
mitigation activities funded by the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.
(b) Objectives.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall assess how the mitigation programs of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency--
(1) reduce Federal and non-Federal expenditures for 
disaster response and recovery;
(2) enhance community preparedness for natural hazards;
(3) improve the availability and affordability of hazard-
related insurance;
(4) support continuity of operations for critical services 
and infrastructure; and
(5) generate long-term cost savings and measurable returns 
on investment.
(c) Methodology.--The study under subsection (a) shall include--
(1) quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided 
losses;
(2) evaluations of the effect of hazard mitigation on 
community-level risk ratings, actuarial assessments, and 
insurance penetration;
(3) case studies from diverse geographic regions and hazard 
types; and
(4) examinations of the role of mitigation activities in 
reducing Federal disaster response and recovery costs.
(d) Data Sources.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall use data from--
(1) Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies;
(2) independent third-party assessments and academic 
studies; and
(3) internal program evaluations and disaster recovery 
records.
(e) Consultation.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Administrator may consult with--
(1) the Comptroller General of the United States;
(2) the Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology;
(3) State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; and
(4) relevant academic and research institutions.
(f) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security 
and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of 
the Senate a report detailing--
(A) the findings of the study;
(B) recommendations for improving program design, 
targeting, and oversight; and
(C) recommendations for legislative and 
administrative actions.
(2) Availability.--The Administrator shall make each report 
submitted under paragraph (1) publicly available on the website 
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency not later than 60 
days after the submission of such report.
(g) Public Availability and Ongoing Review.--
(1) Public access.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make the 
results of the initial study required under subsection (a) 
publicly available in a searchable, user-friendly format on the 
website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(2) Contents.--The published data under paragraph (1) shall 
include--
(A) summarized findings and datasets, excluding any 
information that would compromise national security or 
privacy;
(B) visualizations and geographic mappings of 
mitigation outcomes; and
(C) clear explanations of methodology, data 
sources, and limitations.
(h) Annual Updates.--The Administrator shall conduct the study 
described in subsection (a) on an annual basis, incorporating the most 
recent available data, updates to methodology, and stakeholder 
feedback.

TITLE IV--TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

SEC. 401. GAO REVIEW OF FEMA TRANSITION.

(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Comptroller 
General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct a review of the transition of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency under title I; and
(2) provide a briefing on the results of the review 
conducted under paragraph (1) to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland 
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
(b) Scope.--In conducting the reviews required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall assess the following:
(1) The continued processing of grants for constructing, 
reconstructing, repairing, restoring, or replacing eligible 
facilities.
(2) The establishment of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the 
executive branch to evaluate whether the transition complied 
with Federal laws relating to labor, procurement, information 
management, and related statutes.
(3) The status of the contractual obligations of the 
Agency.
(4) Interdepartmental coordination, establishment of new 
memorandums of understanding, and assistance from the 
Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the Department 
fulfills all statutory requirements to ensure optimal agency 
performance during the transition.
(5) Costs associated with the transition of personnel, 
equipment, furnishings, and related contents over the course of 
the transition.
(6) Personnel retention related to the transition.
(7) Physical and technological infrastructure needs and 
which of the needs have been met, to ensure that the Agency has 
been provided with the necessary resources to carry out the 
mission of the Agency, following the transition of the Agency.
(8) Programmatic operations during the transition of the 
Agency.
(9) Communication operations to monitor continued 
connectivity with stakeholders, including State emergency 
managers, private nonprofit organizations, and other related 
parties, during the transition.
(10) Engineer personnel levels at the Agency.
(11) Contracts entered into with licensed engineering 
professionals in States that are in geographic areas in which a 
major disaster has recently been declared under section 401 of 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
(12) Best practices and lessons learned during the 
transition, in coordination with the Administrator of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency and any other key personnel 
of the Agency.
(c) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on the date 
that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, or an 
earlier date agreed upon by the Comptroller General and the committees 
of Congress specified in subsection (a).

SEC. 402. TRANSPARENCY AND ONLINE ACCOUNTABILITY.

(a) Subpage for Transparency of Disaster Assistance.--
(1) Establishment of repository for reporting 
requirements.--The Director of the Office of Management and 
Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and 
the head of each covered Federal agency, shall establish a 
subpage within the website established under section 2 of the 
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 
U.S.C. 6101 note) to publish the information required to be 
made available to the public under this subsection.
(2) Submission of information by federal agencies.--Not 
later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, each 
covered Federal agency that made disaster assistance available 
to an eligible recipient during such quarter shall, in 
coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and 
Budget, make available to the public on the subpage established 
under paragraph (1) the information described in paragraph (3), 
and ensure that any data assets of the agency are machine-
readable.
(3) Information required.--The information described in 
this paragraph is, with respect to disaster assistance provided 
by the covered Federal agency--
(A) the total amount of disaster assistance 
provided by the agency during such quarter;
(B) the amount of disaster assistance provided by 
the agency that was expended or obligated to projects 
or activities; and
(C) a detailed list of all projects or activities 
for which disaster assistance dispersed by the agency 
was expended, obligated, or used, including--
(i) the name of the project or activity;
(ii) a description of the project or 
activity;
(iii) an evaluation of the completion 
status of the project or activity;
(iv) any award identification number 
assigned to the project;
(v) the Catalog for Disaster Assistance 
number assigned by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency;
(vi) the location of the project, including 
ZIP Codes; and
(vii) any reporting requirement information 
being collected by a covered Federal agency 
with respect to that agency's disaster 
assistance.
(4) Guidance.--Each covered Federal agency, in coordination 
with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and 
the Secretary of the Treasury, shall issue such guidance as is 
necessary to meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Agreement with private entity.--The Director, if 
necessary for purposes of transparency, may enter into an 
agreement with a private entity, including a nonprofit 
organization, to develop the subpage required under this 
subsection.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered federal agency.--The term ``covered Federal 
agency'' means--
(A) any agency providing assistance under the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
(B) the Small Business Administration; and
(C) the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development.
(2) Disaster assistance.--The term ``disaster assistance'' 
means any funds that are made available by the Federal 
Government in response to a specified natural disaster, 
including--
(A) any assistance provided by the Administrator of 
the Small Business Administration as a result of a 
disaster declared under section 7(b) of the Small 
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b));
(B) any assistance provided by the Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development for--
(i) activities authorized under title I of 
the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) related to 
disaster relief, long-term recovery, 
restoration of infrastructure and housing, and 
economic revitalization in the most impacted 
and distressed areas resulting from a major 
disaster declared pursuant to the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); and
(ii) flood insurance coverage provided 
under the National Flood Insurance Program 
pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 
1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.); and
(C) any assistance provided under the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(3) Eligible recipient.--The term ``eligible recipient''--
(A) means any entity that receives disaster 
assistance directly from the Federal Government 
(including disaster assistance received through grant, 
loan, or contract) other than an individual; and
(B) includes a State that receives disaster 
assistance.
(4) Specified natural disaster.--The term ``specified 
natural disaster'' means--
(A) a fire on public or private forest land or 
grassland described in section 420 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
(42 U.S.C. 5187);
(B) a major disaster declared by the President 
under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);
(C) an emergency declared by the President under 
section 501 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5191); and
(D) any other natural disaster for which a disaster 
declaration is made by the Federal Government.

SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION.

Section 308(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5151(a)) is amended by striking 
``or economic status'' and inserting ``economic status, or political 
affiliation''.

SEC. 404. REVIEW OF BURDENSOME REGULATIONS AND POLICIES.

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee 
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report that--
(1) identifies any regulations, policies, and procedures 
promulgated pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that--
(A) are obsolete;
(B) conflict with other regulations, policies, and 
procedures;
(C) conflict with current law;
(D) set more stringent requirements than required 
by law; and
(E) create unnecessary burdens and costs on 
disaster assistance; and
(2) contains recommendations on which regulations, 
policies, and procedures should be amended or rescinded.

SEC. 405. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report with 
respect to fiscal year 2016 through the most recent fiscal year ending 
before the date of enactment of this Act, and an annual report for any 
fiscal year beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act, 
describing--
(1) the average amount of individual assistance and 
individual and household assistance provided under section 408 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to, and the rate of 
denial of individual assistance and individual and household 
assistance provided under such section for--
(A) all individuals;
(B) households;
(C) individuals and households with a reported 
annual income under 75 percent of the national median 
household income;
(D) individuals with a reported annual income over 
125 percent of the national median household income; 
and
(E) individuals with a reported annual income 
between 75 percent and 125 percent of the national 
median household income; and
(2) an explanation for any factors causing an increase in 
the rate of denial of the assistance described in paragraph 
(1), if applicable.
(b) Information Required.--In the report submitted under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall describe the number of homeowners and the 
number of renters for each category of individuals and households 
described in subparagraphs (C) through (E) of subsection (a)(1).

SEC. 406. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.

Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:

``SEC. 431. INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.

``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after a declaration by 
the President that a major disaster exists under section 401, the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall publish 
on a website of the Agency an interactive web tool displaying the 
following information with respect to such disaster:
``(1) The number of applications for assistance under 
section 408, including a description of the number of 
applications for assistance related to housing under such 
section and the number of applications for assistance to 
address other needs under section 408(e).
``(2) The number of applications for such assistance that 
are approved.
``(3) The number of applications for such assistance that 
are denied.
``(4) A ranked list of the reasons for the denial of such 
applications, including the number of applications for each 
reason for denial.
``(5) If available, the dollar amount of assistance 
provided pursuant to section 408 to applicants who are--
``(A) property owners with a household annual 
income--
``(i) above the national median household 
income; and
``(ii) below the national median household 
income; and
``(B) renters with a household annual income--
``(i) above the national median household 
income; and
``(ii) below the national median household 
income.
``(6) The estimated percentage of residential property that 
was destroyed as a result of the major disaster, if available.
``(7) Any other information that the Administrator 
determines to be relevant.
``(b) Personally Identifiable Information.--The Administrator shall 
ensure that none of the information published under subsection (a) 
contains the personally identifiable information of an applicant.''.

SEC. 407. GAO REPORT ON PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS.

(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study on the practices, including the accuracy of such 
practices, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses when 
conducting preliminary damage assessments for the purposes of providing 
assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174).
(b) Contents.--The Comptroller General shall include in the study 
conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1) A comparison of the process and procedures used by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete preliminary 
damage assessments to the process and procedures used by 
private insurance companies following a major disaster.
(2) A review of training provided to individuals conducting 
preliminary damage assessments.
(3) A comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by 
individuals above the national median income to homes owned by 
individuals at or below the national median income.

SEC. 408. IMPROVED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
shall conduct a study to examine the unique challenges of renters when 
seeking Federal disaster assistance and any disparities of assistance 
provided to homeowners and renters pursuant to section 408 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5174) and develop a plan that addresses any identified 
challenges and disparities, including any recommendations for 
legislative action.
(b) Report to Congress.--Upon completion of the activities carried 
out under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
Affairs of the Senate a report containing the study and recommendations 
required under subsection (a).
(c) Consultation.--In completing the study and report required 
under subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall consult with 
appropriate Federal entities and stakeholders involved in disaster 
housing.

SEC. 409. GAO ASSESSMENT ON IDENTITY THEFT AND DISASTER FRAUD IN 
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall--
(1) conduct an assessment of improper and potentially 
fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals made to 
survivors of major disasters declared in 2020 and 2021, 
including through identity theft; and
(2) submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate a report that describes--
(A) the prevalence of improper and potentially 
fraudulent Federal disaster assistance for individuals 
made to registrants who used invalid information to 
apply for disaster assistance, including through 
identity theft;
(B) the number of disaster survivors whose claims 
for Federal disaster assistance for individuals were 
denied due to another individual filing a fraudulent 
application using their personal identifying 
information;
(C) the adequacy of existing fraud prevention 
protocols in place on the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency's online application for Federal disaster 
assistance for individuals; and
(D) recommendations for improving the identity 
verification protocols in place for Federal disaster 
assistance for individuals.

SEC. 410. GAO STUDY ON INSURANCE UTILIZATION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE-
ELIGIBLE FACILITIES.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
complete a study on the utilization of insurance by facilities eligible 
for public assistance.
(b) Matters To Be Studied.--In conducting the study under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall examine the following:
(1) The effect of insurance coverage of a State on 
declarations by the President under section 401 of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170) that a major disaster exists in such State.
(2) Trends in insurance coverage for facilities eligible 
for public assistance before and after such facilities receive 
public assistance.
(3) The enforcement of insurance purchase requirements 
under section 206.253 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Rates of noncompliance with, or lapses in, required 
insurance coverage by recipients of public assistance.
(5) Rates of insurance coverage among critical facilities 
eligible for public assistance, including hospitals, emergency 
operations centers, and public safety buildings.
(6) Changes in facilities eligible for public assistance 
obtaining insurance coverage after revisions to flood hazard 
maps or other hazard designations.
(c) Report to Congress.--Upon completion of the study required 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress 
a report describing the results of such study, including findings and 
any recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Public Assistance Defined.--In this section, the term ``public 
assistance'' means assistance provided under section 403, 406, 409, or 
428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act.

SEC. 411. STUDY ON WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT PLANS.

(a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a 
study, and submit a report thereon to the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on 
wildfire management plans.
(b) Contents.--In the report submitted under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall include the following:
(1) A list and description of States that have a completed 
forest management plan, wildland management plan, or any 
similar plan intended to guide actions the State plans to take 
to mitigate the risk of wildfires with respect to non-Federal 
lands.
(2) A description of States that have a high risk of 
wildfires.
(3) For the States described in paragraph (2)--
(A) a list of the States that have completed a plan 
described in paragraph (1); and
(B) a description of whether such plan is effective 
at mitigating the risk of wildfires.
(4) An analysis of whether each State with a plan described 
in paragraph (1) follows such plan and makes available adequate 
resources to meet the goals of such plan.
(5) An analysis of whether any Federal funding for hazard 
mitigation provided to States with a high risk of wildfires is 
used to carry out activities related to mitigating the risk of 
wildfires.
(6) For wildfires that occurred during the 5-year period 
ending on the date of enactment of this Act, in States that did 
not have a plan described in paragraph (1), an analysis as to 
whether damage from such wildfires may have been reduced if 
such States had such a plan in place.
(7) A comparison of the plans listed under paragraph (1) 
and an identification of best practices and areas for 
improvement.
(8) Recommendations on whether incentives are needed in 
Federal funding for States to develop plans described in 
paragraph (1) and follow such plans.

SEC. 412. EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL, STATE, TERRITORY, AND FEDERAL 
ALERTING SYSTEMS.

(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, State, territory, and 
Federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant 
information during weather-related emergencies to help communities 
develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and 
enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall--
(1) evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, 
including platforms such as social media, to disseminate 
emergency alerts, including travel bans and mass power outages, 
during extreme weather events;
(2) assess the extent that guidance and training exists for 
developing alert content, such as ensuring alerts are clear, 
relevant, and provide the public with actionable information; 
and
(3) determine whether improvements could be made to public 
alerting, including outdoor siren systems, based on input from 
a selected sample of emergency managers, local officials, and 
community groups.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland 
Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study 
conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 413. GAO REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT COSTS.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the 
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives a report--
(1) on the actual management costs described in section 324 
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) during the period of a major 
disaster declaration under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
5170) to determine whether the amount set aside for those 
management costs after the date of enactment of this Act is 
appropriate; and
(2) that includes the management costs described in section 
324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) for each disaster declared 
under during the period of a major disaster declaration under 
section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) during the 5-year 
period preceding the date of the report, the amount set aside 
for those management costs, the use of those management costs, 
the length of each disaster, and the reason for the length of 
each disaster.

SEC. 414. REPORT ON COORDINATION OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report 
conducted by all relevant Federal agencies to improve the comprehensive 
delivery of disaster assistance to individuals following a major 
disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall 
include both administrative actions taken, or planned to be taken, by 
the agencies as well as legislative proposals, where appropriate, of 
the following:
(1) Efforts to improve coordination between the Agency and 
other relevant Federal agencies when delivering disaster 
assistance to individuals.
(2) Clarify the sequence of delivery of disaster assistance 
to individuals from the Agency, and other relevant Federal 
agencies.
(3) Clarify the interpretation and implementation of 
section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) when providing 
disaster assistance to individuals, including providing a 
common interpretation across the Agency, and other relevant 
Federal agencies, of the definitions and requirements under 
such section 312.
(4) Increase the effectiveness of communication to 
applicants for assistance programs for individuals after a 
disaster declaration, including the breadth of programs 
available and the potential impacts of utilizing one program 
versus another.
(c) Report Update.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with other 
relevant Federal agencies, shall submit to the congressional committees 
of jurisdiction an update to the report required under paragraph (1).

SEC. 415. GAO REVIEW OF COST SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH REPAIR AND 
REBUILDING REFORMS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
complete a study on repair and rebuilding reforms carried out by the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) Contents.--The Comptroller General shall include in the study 
conducted under subsection (a) the following:
(1) A comprehensive review of the costs associated with 
providing direct housing assistance options in response to a 
major disaster or emergency, including temporary housing units, 
transportable temporary housing units, hoteling programs, and 
rental assistance.
(2) An assessment of--
(A) the relative cost and timeliness of providing 
permanent repairs or reconstruction of owner-occupied 
residences compared to the provision of direct housing 
assistance options, including an evaluation of both 
short-term expenditures and long-term Federal 
obligations;
(B) the effect of permanent repairs or 
reconstruction assistance on recovery outcomes for 
survivors of major disasters, including time to 
reestablishment, housing stability, health and safety, 
and economic self-sufficiency, in comparison to the 
recovery outcomes for such survivors who received 
temporary sheltering;
(C) the effect of permanent repairs or 
reconstruction on the ability of survivors of major 
disasters to remain in or return to predisaster 
communities, including implications for community 
cohesion and regional workforce stability;
(D) the benefits and potential challenges of 
expanding the role of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency in direct repair or reconstruction, including 
staffing, coordination with States or Tribal 
governments, and interagency collaboration;
(E) the effect of repair and rebuilding reforms on 
long-term Federal disaster recovery liabilities, 
including the potential for cost avoidance in future 
disaster assistance, housing displacement, and repeat 
assistance cases; and
(F) the adequacy of existing or proposed safeguards 
to protect Federal funds.
(3) A review of the use of permanent repairs of owner-
occupied residences and permanent housing construction by the 
Administrator, including best practices and lessons learned.
(c) Report.--Upon completion of the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report 
describing the results of such study, including findings and any 
recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
(d) Repair and Rebuilding Reforms Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``repair and rebuilding reforms'' means reforms to the provision 
of assistance under sections 403 and 408 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the 
amendments made by this Act.

SEC. 416. TRANSPARENCY FOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS.

Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(d) Transparency for Major Disaster Declarations.--
``(1) In general.--Upon issuing an approval or denial of a 
major disaster requested by a Governor of a State or the Chief 
Executive of an affected Indian tribal government under this 
section, the President shall provide to the Governor or Chief 
Executive a detailed justification of such approval or denial 
that includes--
``(A) an explanation of the determination that the 
damage caused by the disaster did or did not exceed the 
capacity of the State or Indian tribal government;
``(B) a consideration of loss of life and potential 
continued threats to public safety;
``(C) the total value of the damage caused by the 
disaster as estimated by the President, in consultation 
with the Administrator and impacted State or Indian 
tribal government, that was used to make the disaster 
declaration determination; and
``(D) how the President, in consultation with the 
Administrator--
``(i) determined whether the disaster 
impacted a rural or economically distressed 
community or communities; and
``(ii) considered whether there was severe 
local impact or were recent multiple disasters 
in the impacted area.
``(2) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply in 
any case in which the President makes a declaration under this 
section for a major disaster that is requested through 
expedited procedures, including pursuant to section 206.36(d) 
of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.''.

SEC. 417. FAST-MOVING DISASTERS WORKING GROUP.

(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency shall convene a working group to review and develop best 
practices for preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and 
responding to fast-moving disasters.
(b) Membership.--The working group established under subsection (a) 
shall be composed of--
(1) representatives from the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency;
(2) representatives from the United States Coast Guard;
(3) representatives from the Department of Defense;
(4) representatives from the National Weather Service of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(5) representatives of States, Tribal governments, and 
units of local government; and
(6) subject matter experts in emergency management, public 
alerts and warnings, emergency evacuations, and preparedness 
and response.
(c) Best Practices.--Not later than 1 year after the convening of 
the working group pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall 
issue, and make publicly available, a report on--
(1) best practices to guide Federal, State, Tribal and 
local governments in preparing for, mitigating against, public 
alerting, and responding to fast-moving disasters;
(2) proposed changes to plans and policies of relevant 
Federal agencies to better assist in preparing for, mitigating 
against, public alerting, and responding to fast-moving 
disasters; and
(3) any needed legislative proposals that would support 
preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting, and 
responding to fast-moving disasters.
(d) Fast-Moving Disaster Defined.--In this section, the term 
``fast-moving disaster'' means an event that develops or spreads 
rapidly, causing significant damage and necessitating immediate 
response, including flash flooding, wildfires, mudslides, and tornados.

SEC. 418. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.

Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is further amended by adding at 
the end the following:

``SEC. 432. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DASHBOARD.

``For each major disaster that is declared by the President under 
section 401 on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of 
enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, the Administrator shall, not later 
than 90 days after such declaration, make publicly available on the 
website of the Agency an interactive, publicly accessible dashboard 
that tracks the following information with respect to each such 
disaster:
``(1) Information on each cost estimate submitted under 
section 409, including information on each applicant, date of 
each submission, descriptions for each project, cost of each 
project with a breakdown of the Federal cost-share and non-
Federal cost-share.
``(2) Status of the Agency review and approval of each cost 
estimate submitted pursuant to section 409, including the date 
a project is approved and the date the grant is issued.
``(3) An explanation for any cost estimate that is not 
approved or if the grant is not provided in the timeline as 
required by section 409 and any corrective action taken by the 
Agency to conform with the requirements of section 409.
``(4) Project-level progress updates, consistent with the 
reporting requirements established under section 409.
``(5) Information on requests made under section 801, 
including dates and amounts of each request, timelines for 
submissions of required information, and dates of approval and 
disbursement of funds.
``(6) Any other information the Administrator determines to 
be appropriate to ensure transparency and accountability in the 
administration of public assistance.''.

SEC. 419. IMPROVING DISASTER WORKFORCE RETENTION.

(a) Improving Disaster Workforce Retention in Noncontiguous 
Communities.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of 
practices of the Agency relating to hiring, recruitment, and 
retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback 
from staff in such communities.
(2) Contents.--In conducting the study under paragraph (1), 
the Administrator shall--
(A) evaluate the recruitment strategies of the 
Agency and efforts of the Agency to broaden the pool of 
qualified local candidates;
(B) prioritize input from communities in which 
there are the most severe staffing shortages; and
(C) identify specific steps that the Agency can 
take to improve opportunities for staff in 
noncontiguous communities.
(3) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
of the Senate on the results of the study conducted under 
paragraph (1).
(4) Policies.--The Administrator shall take such actions as 
are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations 
of the Agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in 
noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted 
under paragraph (1).
(b) GAO Review of Disaster Response and Recovery in Noncontiguous 
Communities.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of disaster 
response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities, 
with a particular focus on recovery efforts relating to damage 
caused by Super Typhoon Yutu, and compare such practices with 
the disaster response and recovery practices in contiguous 
communities.
(2) Contents.--In conducting the study under paragraph (1), 
the Comptroller General shall--
(A) analyze ongoing recovery efforts from disasters 
that have impacted noncontiguous communities;
(B) analyze the level of coordination between the 
Federal Departments and Agencies tasked with disaster 
response and recovery;
(C) assess how effectively Federal agencies 
coordinate with State emergency management offices;
(D) assess the effectiveness of the Area offices 
and Regional Advisory Councils of the Agency in 
assisting noncontiguous communities; and
(E) make recommendations on how to improve the 
disaster response and recovery outcomes in 
noncontiguous communities.
(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
of the Senate a report on the study conducted under paragraph 
(1).
(c) Preliminary Damage Assessment Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency shall establish a pilot program to 
implement new technology in carrying out a preliminary damage 
assessment in a noncontiguous community in which a major 
disaster has been declared under section 401 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5170).
(2) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program 
established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure 
that the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities 
are prioritized.
(3) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
of the Senate on the implementation of the pilot program 
established under paragraph (1).
(4) Sunset.--The pilot program established under paragraph 
(1) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
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