H.R.1164 - Fair Disaster Assistance Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1164, the Fair Disaster Assistance Act of 2025, aims to prevent the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from denying disaster assistance to applicants who have pending insurance claims for disaster-related losses. The bill directs the FEMA Administrator to issue regulations ensuring that applicants under Section 408 of the Stafford Act do not receive denial notices before their insurance claims are determined. This is intended to provide a fairer process for disaster victims seeking aid.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in a change to FEMA's procedures, requiring the agency to delay denial notices until insurance claims are resolved. This could lead to a more streamlined and equitable process for disaster victims. It may also increase the administrative burden on FEMA.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents premature denial of disaster assistance.
- Ensures applicants receive a fair assessment after insurance claims are processed.
- Reduces potential financial hardship for disaster victims.
- Streamlines the assistance process by aligning FEMA decisions with insurance outcomes.
- Provides clarity and predictability for applicants seeking disaster relief.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase administrative burden on FEMA due to delayed processing.
- Could potentially slow down the overall disaster assistance disbursement process.
- Might create opportunities for fraudulent claims if not carefully monitored.
- Potential for increased costs associated with longer claim processing times.
- Possible delays in providing assistance to those who do not have insurance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide assistance to those affected by major disasters. Specifically, the bill falls under Congress's power to legislate in areas concerning disaster relief and emergency assistance, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general Welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).