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The House voted 405-5 to pass the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act. This bipartisan bill directs FEMA to simplify the application process for federal disaster aid and improve coordination among agencies.
The Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (H.R. 152) aims to streamline how people and local governments apply for help after disasters like hurricanes or wildfires. It requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to study ways to reduce paperwork and eliminate repetitive forms that applicants currently have to fill out across different government agencies. The goal is to make the process less time-consuming for those who have lost homes or businesses. This vote was held under a "suspension of the rules," a fast-track procedure used for bills with broad support. This process limits debate and prevents any changes from being added to the bill, but it requires a higher bar for success: two-thirds of the voting members must approve it rather than a simple majority. The bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, receiving 405 votes in favor. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. If eventually signed into law, the bill's goal is to speed up recovery times and reduce the administrative burden on disaster survivors by better coordinating preliminary damage assessments.
The legislation has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. Disaster survivors often face a 'second disaster' of paperwork; this bill seeks to cut through that bureaucracy to provide relief faster.
Who’s affected. Disaster Survivors: Would experience a simpler, less repetitive application process for federal aid. · Local Governments: Would benefit from more coordinated and efficient damage assessments after a crisis. · FEMA: Required to modernize its data collection and reporting systems for transparency.
Democrats. Every voting Democrat supported the bill, viewing it as a common-sense improvement to disaster relief bureaucracy.
Republicans. The vast majority of Republicans supported the bill, which was sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Ezell, though eight members voted against it.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Jan 13, 2025
The House voted 405-5 to pass the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act.
This bipartisan bill directs FEMA to simplify the application process for federal disaster aid and improve coordination among agencies.
This was a 'suspension of the rules' vote, which is a shortcut for non-controversial bills. It requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass but skips the usual lengthy debate and amendment process.
The legislation has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review.
Disaster survivors often face a 'second disaster' of paperwork; this bill seeks to cut through that bureaucracy to provide relief faster.
The vote showed near-total bipartisan agreement, with both parties voting overwhelmingly in favor of the measure.
Every voting Democrat supported the bill, viewing it as a common-sense improvement to disaster relief bureaucracy.
The vast majority of Republicans supported the bill, which was sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Ezell, though eight members voted against it.
The chamber's single independent member voted in favor of the bill.