Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act
Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act
Plain Language Summary
# Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would expand federal non-discrimination protections to include political affiliation. Currently, FEMA and organizations providing disaster relief are prohibited from discriminating based on race, religion, disability, and other characteristics. This bill would add political affiliation to that protected list, meaning disaster assistance couldn't be denied or provided differently based on someone's political beliefs or party membership. **Who it affects:** The bill applies to FEMA and any public or private organizations that distribute federal disaster relief funds or assistance.
It protects all individuals and communities receiving aid during major disasters or emergencies. **Current status:** S. 373 is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress). The bill was introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has not yet been voted on or advanced further in the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance ActThis bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of political affiliation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other participating entities (i.e., public or private entities providing or receiving assistance) in carrying out federal major disaster or emergency relief and assistance activities.Current law requires FEMA and other participating entities to provide federal major disaster or emergency relief and assistance without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. The bill adds political affiliation to the classes protected under this requirement.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.