HR-4669 : Still Just a Bill

The "FEMA Act of 2025," also known as H.R. 4669, aims to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and improve disaster management across the United States. The bill is divided into two main divisions:

• Division A: Establishment of FEMA as a Cabinet-Level Independent Agency
  • Elevates FEMA to a cabinet-level independent agency, separate from the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Defines FEMA's mission to reduce loss of life and property from all hazards through comprehensive emergency management.
  • Outlines the responsibilities of the FEMA Administrator and other key officials.
  • Transfers functions, personnel, and funding to the newly independent FEMA.
• Division B: FEMA Reforms
  • Addresses Public Assistance Reforms:
  • Expedites infrastructure repair and replacement.
  • Creates a task force to address backlogs in declared disasters.
  • Modifies disaster declaration damage thresholds, factoring in economically distressed communities.
  • Improves the Federal permitting process for disaster recovery projects.
  • Establishes block grants for small disasters to streamline assistance.
  • Addresses Individual Assistance Reforms:
  • Enhances information sharing between federal agencies.
  • Creates a universal application for individual disaster assistance.
  • Clarifies duplication of benefits rules.
  • Addresses crisis counseling and addiction issues in disasters.
  • Reforms repair and rebuilding assistance.
  • Improves assistance notices and displacement assistance for victims.
  • Addresses Mitigation Reforms:
  • Preapproves project mitigation plans to expedite mitigation efforts.
  • Reduces disaster costs and protects lives through various mitigation measures.
  • Strengthens hazard risk reduction strategies.
  • Enhances utility resiliency.
  • Addresses Transparency and Accountability:
  • Requires GAO reviews of FEMA's transition and various disaster assistance programs.
  • Mandates transparency and online accountability for disaster-related information.
  • Prohibits political discrimination in disaster assistance.
  • Reviews burdensome regulations and policies.

In summary, H.R. 4669 seeks to strengthen FEMA's role, streamline disaster assistance, promote mitigation efforts, and enhance transparency and accountability in disaster management.