S.133 - Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.133, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, aims to modify the cost share for fire management assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The bill mandates that the federal share of assistance shall not be less than 75% of eligible costs. It also requires FEMA to conduct a rulemaking to establish criteria for increasing the federal cost share and to update its policy to allow reimbursement for predeployment of domestic assets by state, local, and tribal governments.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to increase federal funding for fire suppression and response efforts. This shift in cost-sharing could alleviate the financial burden on state, local, and tribal governments during wildfire events. The rulemaking and policy updates will further refine the process for accessing and utilizing federal assistance.
Potential Benefits
- Increased federal funding for fire suppression.
- Reduced financial burden on state, local, and tribal governments.
- Potential for faster and more effective responses to wildfires due to pre-deployment reimbursement.
- Improved clarity and consistency in accessing federal assistance through updated policies.
- Enhanced resource allocation through FEMA's rulemaking process.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending and potential strain on the federal budget.
- Potential for states to become overly reliant on federal funding, reducing their own investment in fire prevention and preparedness.
- Possible delays or complications in the rulemaking process.
- Risk of inconsistent application of the updated policies across different regions or jurisdictions.
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative burden associated with accessing federal funds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. Providing funding for fire suppression and response can be argued as promoting the general welfare, especially in areas prone to wildfires. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).