H.R.2907 - Save Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Act; Save BRIC Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2907, the Save BRIC Act, aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The amendment would mandate the President to provide assistance for predisaster hazard mitigation measures. This bill seeks to reinstate and strengthen the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which was allegedly cancelled in 2025.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would make predisaster mitigation assistance mandatory rather than discretionary. This would likely lead to increased investment in projects designed to reduce the impact of future disasters. The bill aims to reduce loss of life and property by proactively addressing vulnerabilities.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced loss of life and property from disasters.
- Cost savings in disaster recovery due to proactive mitigation efforts.
- Strengthened infrastructure and community resilience.
- Potential for job creation in construction and related industries.
- More efficient use of government resources by preventing disaster damage.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on predisaster mitigation.
- Possible delays in disaster response due to focus on predisaster activities.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if mitigation projects are not well-planned.
- Potential for political influence in the selection of mitigation projects.
- Possible increase in taxes or reallocation of funds from other important programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to protect citizens and property from disasters. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill's focus on disaster preparedness and mitigation can be argued as promoting the general welfare.
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).