Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025
Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This legislation would create new federal funding mechanisms to help communities recover from major disasters. It would establish a "National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund" that allows FEMA to provide grants directly to states and tribal governments for disaster-related expenses that aren't fully covered by existing aid programs. The bill expands what types of assistance FEMA can offer, specifically focusing on housing repair, home rebuilding, and economic recovery support for disaster victims. **Who It Affects:** State and local governments, Native American tribal nations, and individuals affected by federally declared disasters would benefit from expanded recovery assistance. The bill also affects FEMA's operations and budget allocation decisions. **Key Provisions & Current Status:** The bill would require FEMA to consider broader recovery needs when recommending whether the President should declare an emergency or disaster, potentially making it easier for affected areas to access federal aid.
It's currently in committee (the early legislative stage) and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.