US House Leads Effort to Strengthen FEMA

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By USDR.

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three bills that strengthen Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster readiness. Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) issued the following statement:

My constituents know that when it comes to being prepared for natural disasters, there is no such thing as being too prepared. Disaster preparation saves money, property, and most importantly, lives. That’s why I voted for these bills to help FEMA provide better, faster and more consistent disaster relief services to local communities when it matters most.

BILL BACKGROUND – Bills passed in the House include:

FEMA Disaster Assistance Act (H.R. 1117)
This bill directs FEMA to foster more open communications between disaster response operations and affected communities after an emergency or disaster by providing more transparency, increased consistency, and better assistance during the recovery phase.

Disaster SAVE Act (H.R. 1214)
This bill increases FEMA’s disaster recovery budget so that services can be provided to local communities in a timely manner.

Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act (H.R. 654)
This bill directs the Administrator of FEMA to carry out a plan for the purchase and installation of an earthquake early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone.