WASHINGTON, D.C.—Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Lankford (R-OK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) that would simplify the application process for disaster victims to receive federal disaster recovery assistance has passed in the Senate. The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a universal application across federal agencies for disaster survivors seeking federal assistance from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Currently, individuals hoping to receive disaster aid must complete a complex, agency-specific application process that can take weeks or even months to complete. This legislation would significantly help streamline this process and reduce the burden placed on disaster survivors in need of immediate assistance. The bill was previously approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where Peters and Paul serve as Ranking Member and Chairman, respectively. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“Families who are working to rebuild their lives after a natural disaster shouldn’t be burdened by complicated paperwork before they can receive essential services,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan legislation will establish a universal application for individuals seeking federal disaster assistance to help make accessing federal support for the recovery and rebuilding process easier for everyone.”
“Over the past few years, Kentucky has endured several deadly tornados and flash floods, leaving significant damage and displacing thousands throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Paul. “Many of those impacted have expressed challenges in receiving quick assistance and updates from government agencies. As part of my commitment to always put Kentuckians first, I’m proud to cosponsor the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, which will reduce the burden on disaster survivors by ensuring the process of receiving aid is simple and speedy.”
“Our families, nonprofits, and churches are the first boots on the ground in a disaster situation, but the federal government does have a unique role in providing timely disaster assistance to families and businesses,” said Senator Lankford. “I’ve consistently heard from Oklahoma disaster victims about how difficult and disjointed the process was when they were trying to put their life back together. That’s just bad customer service. Our proposal creates one online application portal to use across federal agencies to ensure disaster victims can easily apply for assistance on their phone or tablet while they clean up.”
“North Carolina families and communities know what it’s like navigating a maze of bureaucratic red tape after a storm hits,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation creates a universal application for federal disaster assistance, streamlining the process and ensuring survivors get the help they need so they can focus on rebuilding.”
Following a disaster, survivors may become eligible for several forms of federal assistance. FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program can provide financial or direct assistance for housing, and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Real Property Disaster Loans and Personal Property Loans helps homeowners and renters who have incurred uninsured or underinsured damage to their property in declared disaster areas. To help more survivors access the resources available after a disaster, the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would require FEMA to establish a universal application process for disaster survivors seeking federal recovery aid. Further, this bill would require all information shared between FEMA and partner agencies to meet federal data security standards, ensuring the safety and privacy of disaster survivors.
The bill has been endorsed by the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National Emergency Management Association, Environmental Defense Fund, American Flood Coalition Action, Water and Coasts at the National Wildlife Federation, National Low Income Housing Coalition, SBP, BuildStrong America, BPC Action, Team Rubicon, and the International Association of Emergency Managers.
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