H.R.152 - Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 152, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, directs the FEMA Administrator to conduct a study and develop a plan to streamline and consolidate information collection and preliminary damage assessments related to disaster assistance. This involves coordinating with various agencies and developing a public-facing website for disaster assistance information. The Act also mandates a report to Congress and public availability of findings.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to reduce the burden on disaster assistance applicants and grantees by simplifying the information collection process. It also seeks to improve the efficiency and accuracy of preliminary damage assessments through interagency coordination and the use of emerging technologies. Ultimately, this should lead to faster and more effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined information collection reduces the burden on disaster assistance applicants.
- Consolidated damage assessments lead to more efficient allocation of resources.
- Publicly available information increases transparency and accountability.
- Use of emerging technologies expedites damage assessments.
- Improved interagency coordination enhances overall disaster response.
Potential Disadvantages
- The study and plan development may take up to two years, delaying immediate improvements.
- Potential for bureaucratic hurdles in coordinating multiple agencies.
- The effectiveness of the streamlined processes depends on the quality of the developed plans.
- The cost of implementing new technologies and maintaining the public website.
- No guarantee that the recommendations will be fully implemented after the report is submitted.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve disaster response and recovery, thereby promoting the well-being of citizens affected by disasters. Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from its power to provide for the general welfare and to regulate commerce among the states (Article I, Section 8), as disaster relief often involves interstate coordination and resource allocation.
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).