H.R.3759 - Streamlined FEMA Cost Exemption Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3759, the Streamlined FEMA Cost Exemption Act, aims to modify the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The bill seeks to streamline cost exemptions for public assistance projects managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It includes provisions for reducing the recoupment period for certain assistance, restoring presidential waiver authority, waiving recoupment of funds under certain conditions, and establishing an acceptable error ratio for allocations.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to expedite and simplify the process of providing disaster relief funds. This could lead to quicker recovery times for communities affected by major disasters and emergencies. The changes aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide more flexibility in the allocation and use of FEMA funds.
Potential Benefits
- Faster Disaster Relief: Streamlining cost exemptions and reducing recoupment periods will allow FEMA to distribute funds more quickly.
- Increased Flexibility: Restoring waiver authority to the President allows for more tailored responses to specific disaster situations.
- Reduced Bureaucracy: The bill aims to cut red tape and simplify the process of obtaining and using disaster relief funds.
- Cost-Effective Assistance: The waiver considerations include cost-effectiveness, ensuring funds are used efficiently.
- Error Ratio Allowance: Establishing an acceptable error ratio acknowledges the realities of disaster response and allows for some flexibility in fund allocation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Waste, Fraud, and Abuse: Relaxing recoupment rules and allowing for error ratios could increase the risk of misuse of funds.
- Uneven Application of Waivers: Presidential waiver authority could be subject to political considerations, leading to uneven application of relief.
- Complexity in Implementation: Defining and implementing an acceptable error ratio may introduce new layers of complexity.
- Limited Scope: The limitations on applying the waiver authority to specific sections of the Stafford Act (406 and 408) may restrict its overall effectiveness.
- Risk of Duplication: While the bill aims to prevent loan duplication, the waiver process could inadvertently lead to some overlap in assistance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the general Welfare" (Preamble). It also relates to Congress's power to regulate commerce and provide for disaster relief, which can be argued as necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8). The delegation of waiver authority to the President is a common practice, but must be balanced with appropriate guidelines to prevent abuse of power.
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).