Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act; HELP Response and Recovery Act
Summary
The HELP Response and Recovery Act aims to amend the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 by repealing what it deems obsolete requirements. Specifically, it targets Section 695 of the Act (6 U.S.C. 794). The bill also mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit annual reports to relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives. These reports will review the impact of the repeal on preventing waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as promoting taxpayer savings.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the removal of certain contracting requirements established after Hurricane Katrina. This could streamline emergency response efforts by potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The mandated reports aim to ensure accountability and transparency in contracting processes related to disaster relief.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially faster emergency response due to streamlined contracting.
- Reduced administrative burden and associated costs.
- Increased flexibility for FEMA in urgent and compelling circumstances.
- Enhanced oversight through mandated reports to Congress.
- Potential for taxpayer savings by preventing waste, fraud and abuse.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Removal of contracting requirements could increase the risk of fraud and abuse if not properly monitored.
- Reduced transparency in contracting if the reporting requirements are not strictly enforced.
- Potential for contracts to be awarded without competitive bidding, leading to higher costs.
- Risk of decreased accountability if the reports are not thoroughly reviewed by Congress.
- Possible negative impact on small businesses if larger companies are favored in the contracting process.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The amendment to existing legislation falls under Congress's legislative authority. The reporting requirements also support transparency and accountability, aligning with the principles of responsible governance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).