H.R.3738 - Heat Management Assistance Grant Act of 2025; HMAG Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3738, the Heat Management Assistance Grant Act of 2025 (HMAG Act of 2025), amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance to state and local governments in response to extreme heat events. The bill allows the President, through FEMA, to provide grants, equipment, supplies, and personnel for the mitigation and management of extreme heat events. It also mandates the development of a threshold for what qualifies as an extreme heat event.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely result in increased federal funding and resources directed toward states and local governments to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events. This includes funding for mitigation efforts, equipment, and personnel. The establishment of a clear threshold for extreme heat events will also standardize responses and resource allocation.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Public Health: By mitigating the effects of extreme heat events, the bill can reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths.
- Economic Stability: Assistance can help states and local governments avoid significant revenue losses due to extreme heat.
- Infrastructure Protection: The bill addresses the long-term impacts of extreme heat on infrastructure, promoting resilience.
- Resource Coordination: The bill mandates coordination between FEMA and NOAA, improving the efficiency of response efforts.
- Hazard Mitigation: The bill allows for hazard mitigation assistance, even if a major disaster is not declared.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Federal Spending: The grants and assistance provided under this bill could increase federal spending.
- Bureaucratic Processes: Applying for and receiving assistance may involve complex bureaucratic processes for state and local governments.
- Defining 'Extreme Heat Event': Establishing a threshold for extreme heat events may be challenging and could lead to disputes over eligibility.
- Potential for Uneven Distribution of Resources: The allocation of resources may not be equitable across all states and local governments.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on extreme heat events and does not address other types of disasters.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of citizens by mitigating the impacts of extreme heat events. The bill also operates within the framework of disaster relief, which is generally considered a legitimate function of the federal government. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 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.
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).