Rep. Neguse Leads Bipartisan Effort to Cut Red Tape for Disaster Survivors’ Access to Federal Disaster Aid

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, is leading a bipartisan effort to streamline homeowners’ access to federal assistance after natural disasters. Neguse, who represents a congressional district that is no stranger to natural disasters, introduced two bills that would modernize how the Small Business Administration (SBA) distributes aid for homeowners: the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act, co-led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and the Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act, co-led by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC). 

Colorado has experienced four of the state’s five largest wildfires in just the past three years—disasters that have impacted every corner of the communities Neguse represents. In the aftermath of these events, homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes turn to the SBA for support in rebuilding. 

“After working with constituents impacted by natural disasters from Granby to Fort Collins and everywhere in between, I know the road to recovery can be slow, all-consuming, and too often lacking in resources and support,” said Congressman Neguse. “With these bills, we’re taking action to ensure those affected receive clear guidance on next steps, along with the time they need to react and recover. You never know when tragedy will strike, and I’m proud to join Reps. Ciscomani and Edwards in this bipartisan effort to equip homeowners, small business owners, and individuals with the foundational tools they need to ensure the people we represent have a safety net to fall back on.”

"As we head into the summer and temperatures in Arizona continue to rise, we have seen wildfires ignite across the state, disrupting small businesses and impacting the lives of thousands of residents," said Congressman Ciscomani. "Unfortunately, the road to recovery from these disasters can often be slow and burdensome. As families and businesses look to rebuild, the last thing they should encounter are unnecessary financial hurdles. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Disaster Loan Interest Relief Act to codify a policy within the Small Business Administration to provide zero-interest loans for victims of natural disasters and give homeowners and entrepreneurs up to a year from the date of the loan to begin making payments."

“After Hurricane Helene, many business and home owners did not know Small Business Administration disaster loans were needed until after they had gone through the FEMA application process. Despite extensions to the SBA application window, there were still folks left behind without access to this vital recovery resource because the FEMA process took too long and the SBA application closed before victims realized they needed to apply,” said Congressman Edwards. “The Disaster Loan Application Flexibility Act will make sure that homeowners and small business owners have sufficient time and information to get the assistance they need after their lives have been turned upside down. It’s a commonsense way to better support disaster survivors in their greatest times of need.”

Congressman Joe Neguse has prioritized efforts to extend the access of federal disaster assistance for communities responding to and recovering from natural disasters, like wildfires, since first being elected to Congress. Earlier this year, he helped introduce the Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act, a bill that would allow borrowers to get a SBA disaster assistance loan for up to $50,000, rather than the current $14,000, without pledging collateral.

Additionally, last summer, Neguse moved quickly to secure federal funding to help Coloradans fight the Alexander Mountain Fire burning in Larimer County and the Stone Canyon Fire burning in Boulder County. He also took swift action to ensure that Coloradans had secured proper cost coverage after the Marshall Fire in 2021, leading a successful effort alongside Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, to get the SBA to update their formula used to calculate the Disaster Loan Program amount survivors can borrow to rebuild after the Marshall Fire.