H.R.1356 - Mudslide Recovery Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1356, the Mudslide Recovery Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Homeland Security (through FEMA) to establish a pilot grant program. This program aims to address damage from mudslides occurring after wildland fires. The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2032.
The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible recipients. These recipients will implement innovative solutions to repair mudslide damage.
The bill defines key terms such as "eligible recipient" to include states, Indian Tribes, local governments, fire departments, and certain non-profit organizations.
Expected Effects
The Mudslide Recovery Act will likely lead to the development and implementation of innovative solutions for mudslide damage repair following wildland fires. This will be achieved through a competitive grant program.
Communities affected by these disasters may experience improved recovery and resilience. The Act could also spur collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations.
Ultimately, the Act aims to mitigate the long-term impacts of mudslides on affected areas.
Potential Benefits
- Supports Disaster Recovery: Provides resources for communities to recover from mudslides after wildfires.
- Encourages Innovation: Promotes the development of new and effective solutions for mudslide mitigation.
- Strengthens Community Resilience: Helps communities become more resilient to future disasters.
- Promotes Interagency Collaboration: Requires collaboration between the Department of the Interior and FEMA.
- Provides Financial Assistance: Authorizes significant funding for grant programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The program is a pilot program, so its impact may be limited geographically and in terms of the total number of communities served.
- Competitive Grant Process: Not all eligible recipients will receive funding, potentially leaving some communities without assistance.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Establishing the grant program and processing applications may take time, delaying assistance to affected communities.
- Funding Limitations: The authorized funding may not be sufficient to address all the needs of communities affected by mudslides.
- Potential for Mismanagement: As with any grant program, there is a risk of funds being mismanaged or used inefficiently.
Constitutional Alignment
The Mudslide Recovery Act appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). This clause allows Congress to provide for the well-being of the nation.
The Act also aligns with Congress's power to regulate property and spend for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The establishment of a grant program to address mudslide damage falls under this purview.
Furthermore, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).