S-1617 : Became Public Law

Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act

This bill authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to declare a disaster in rural areas where significant damage has been incurred for the purpose of providing certain assistance.

A rural area is a geographic area with a population of less than 200,000 outside an urbanized area. Significant damage means uninsured losses of not less than 40% of the fair replacement value or pre-disaster fair market value of the damaged property (whichever is less).

For a rural area where the President has declared a major disaster, the SBA may declare a disaster for the purpose of providing economic injury disaster loans if (1) the state wherein the rural area is located requests the declaration; and (2) any home, small business, private nonprofit organization, or small agricultural cooperative has incurred significant damage.

The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) any unique challenges to communities in rural areas compared to communities in urbanized areas when seeking economic injury disaster assistance, and (2) any legislative recommendations for improving access to disaster assistance for communities in rural areas.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2022-12-20PresidentBecame Public Law No: 117-249.Library of Congress
2022-12-20PresidentSigned by President.Library of Congress
2022-12-16FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2022-12-08FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2022-12-08VoteOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 - 8 (Roll no. 517). (text: 12/05/2022 CR H8741)House floor actions
2022-12-08FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8853-8854)House floor actions
2022-12-05FloorAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.House floor actions
2022-12-05FloorDEBATE - The House resumed debate on S. 1617.House floor actions
2022-12-05FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1617.House floor actions
2022-12-05FloorConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8741-8742)House floor actions
2022-12-05FloorMs. Velazquez moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
2022-09-29FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2022-09-29FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2022-09-29FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2022-09-28FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S5165; text: CR S5165)Senate
2022-05-03FloorBy Senator Cardin from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 117-103.Senate
2022-02-17CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 278.Senate
2022-02-17CommitteeCommittee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Senate
2022-02-15CommitteeCommittee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.Senate
2021-05-13IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.Senate
2021-05-13IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Commerce
See Subjects
  • Congressional oversight
  • Disaster relief and insurance
  • Government lending and loan guarantees
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Rural conditions and development
  • Small business

Related Bills

See Related Bills