H.R.1786 - Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1786, the "Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act," aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster. This would allow affected areas to receive federal disaster relief funding and assistance. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Donalds and Ms. Wasserman Schultz.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would expand the scope of federal disaster relief to include areas affected by harmful algal blooms. This would provide financial and other resources to states and localities struggling with the environmental and economic consequences of these blooms. The change would allow for quicker and more comprehensive responses to these events.
Potential Benefits
- Provides federal assistance to areas affected by harmful algal blooms.
- Could lead to quicker responses to algal bloom disasters.
- May help mitigate the economic impact of algal blooms on local communities.
- Could improve public health by addressing the causes and effects of algal blooms.
- May lead to better monitoring and prevention efforts for algal blooms.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending on disaster relief.
- Potential for disputes over what constitutes an "algal bloom disaster".
- May not address the underlying causes of algal blooms.
- Could create a dependency on federal aid rather than local solutions.
- Potential for misuse of funds or inefficient allocation of resources.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the well-being of the nation. Specifically, the bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). This act already provides a framework for federal disaster assistance, and this bill simply expands the definition of "major disaster" to include algal blooms.
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).