Assistant Leader Neguse Advances Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act Through Committee, Bringing Bill Closer to House Floor for Vote

Washington, D.C. — Today, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse successfully advanced his bill, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act, through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which now heads to the House Floor for consideration. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation helps communities build long-term capacity for disaster recovery by allowing for state and local governments to use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster management costs for multiple disasters. 

“Communities in my district have received FEMA disaster assistance as recently as last month. This critical support makes it easier to coordinate response and rebuilding efforts at the state and local levels – and, if enacted, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act will allow these funds to also bolster community resilience for future disasters,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “As Americans continue to see an increase in climate-induced disasters, pursuing policy solutions like these are more important than ever. I look forward to getting this bill through the House and across the finish line.” 

“Natural disasters have become more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change, making it important for Congress to ensure communities have the resources they need to mitigate damage and save lives,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “Thanks to the leadership of Representative Neguse, the T&I Committee passed the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act today, which allows states, territories and Tribes to transfer excess disaster recovery funds to build capacity. This important legislation ensures critical funding will not go to waste and helps communities remain vigilant against future natural disasters. I look forward to this bill getting a vote in the full House.”

Under current law, management costs awarded for one disaster may only be used for that disaster. Assistant Leader Neguse’s Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act would allow recipients to retain excess management costs, or use them towards other open disasters, bolstering a community's capacity to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate the impacts of major disasters or emergencies. 

More specifically, the legislation:

• Authorizes FEMA to permit recipients to retain excess management costs for up to five years after the close-out of a disaster; and

• Permits grant recipients to use excess management funds for capacity building activities to prepare for or recover from other disasters.  

Background

Colorado Congressman and House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse has been leading efforts in Congress to expand access to critical federal disaster assistance for communities impacted by natural disaster. Recently, he introduced a package of legislation to streamline access to federal assistance under the Small Business Administration for families and communities impacted by natural disasters. 

Also, in July, when the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire threatened parts of his congressional district, Neguse acted swiftly to secure federal funds authorized by FEMA to fight the fires. He has also fought to secure proper cost coverage for Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire in December 2021. 

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