H.R.2956 - Disclosing Aid Spent to Ensure Relief Act of 2025; DISASTER Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2956, the DISASTER Act of 2025, aims to increase transparency in federal disaster-related spending. It mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit an annual report to Congress detailing all federal disaster assistance expenditures. This report would include spending by various agencies and programs, categorized by disaster, type, and purpose (response, recovery, mitigation).
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to greater congressional and public oversight of disaster relief funds. This could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response and mitigation efforts. The increased transparency may also inform budget allocation decisions and highlight areas for reducing vulnerabilities to future disasters.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Transparency: The public will have access to detailed information on how federal disaster funds are spent.
- Enhanced Accountability: Government agencies will be more accountable for their disaster-related expenditures.
- Informed Budgeting: Congress can make more informed decisions about disaster relief funding.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Understanding spending patterns can help optimize resource allocation in future disasters.
- Vulnerability Reduction: Identifying expense drivers can lead to targeted efforts to reduce vulnerabilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Administrative Burden: The OMB will face additional workload in compiling the annual report.
- Potential for Political Manipulation: Data could be used to unfairly criticize or defend specific agencies or programs.
- Reporting Delays: The report's effectiveness depends on timely and accurate data collection, which may be challenging.
- Limited Scope: The report focuses on financial expenditures and may not capture the full impact of disaster relief efforts.
- Cost of Implementation: There may be costs associated with developing and maintaining the reporting system.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money. By mandating a report on disaster-related assistance, the bill promotes transparency and accountability in government spending. The bill also aligns with Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare.
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).