H.R.152 - Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 152, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, aims to amend the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018. The primary goal is to streamline and consolidate information collection and preliminary damage assessments related to federal disaster assistance. This involves conducting studies and developing plans to make the process more efficient and less burdensome for applicants and grantees.
The bill also seeks to improve the coordination among various federal agencies involved in disaster recovery. This is to be achieved through the establishment of working groups and the development of a comprehensive report on the findings and recommendations.
Ultimately, the bill intends to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of federal disaster assistance programs.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is a more streamlined and efficient process for disaster assistance. This would involve reduced paperwork and faster response times for individuals and communities affected by disasters.
It should also lead to better coordination among federal agencies. This would result in a more unified and effective approach to disaster recovery.
Furthermore, the public will have increased access to information regarding federal disaster assistance awarded.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined information collection reduces the burden on disaster assistance applicants.
- Consolidated damage assessments expedite the distribution of aid.
- Improved coordination among federal agencies leads to more effective disaster response.
- Publicly available information on disaster assistance enhances transparency and accountability.
- The use of emerging technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems, can speed up damage assessments.
Potential Disadvantages
- The study and plan development may take up to two years, delaying immediate improvements.
- The effectiveness of the streamlining efforts depends on the cooperation of multiple agencies.
- Potential costs associated with implementing new technologies and systems.
- The focus on streamlining may inadvertently overlook specific needs of certain communities.
- The bill does not address the root causes of disasters or long-term recovery strategies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which empowers the government to "promote the general Welfare." It also aligns with Congress's power to legislate for necessary and proper execution of its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8), in this case, providing disaster relief. The emphasis on transparency and public availability of information supports the principles of accountability and openness in government.
However, the bill does not directly implicate any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The implementation of the bill should be monitored to ensure it does not infringe upon individual liberties or due process rights during the disaster assistance application process.
Overall, the bill seems constitutionally sound, provided that its implementation adheres to existing legal and constitutional safeguards.
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).