Homeland Security Committee Approves Bill to Streamline Federal Disaster Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), announced committee approval of the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation he co-led with Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-MI) to make it easier, faster, and safer for individuals and communities to receive federal disaster aid. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by a vote of 13-0 during committee markup on Wednesday, July 30th.

“Over the past few years, Kentucky has endured several deadly tornados and flash floods, leaving significant damage and displacing thousands throughout the Commonwealth,” said Chairman 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.”

“In the aftermath of a disaster, families who are working to rebuild their homes and their lives are facing enough challenges, they don’t need the additional burden of complicated paperwork,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bipartisan legislation will establish one universal application to reduce the burden on disaster survivors who are seeking federal assistance to help with recovery.”

The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act will:

1. Create a Unified Disaster Application System: Establish a single, streamlined application for individuals, businesses, and communities seeking disaster aid from FEMA, SBA, and other certified federal agencies.

2. Improve Interagency Coordination: Authorize secure information sharing across federal disaster assistance agencies to accelerate aid and avoid duplication.

3. Provide Real-Time Application Tracking: Allow applicants to check the status of their submissions and receive updates as their recovery progresses.

4. Distribute Additional Recovery Information: Enable survivors to access state, local, and Tribal resources relevant to their jurisdiction through the federal platform.

5. Allow Application Updates and Documentation Access: Let survivors update their information and download copies of their disaster assistance records.

6. Protect Privacy and Data Security: Require FEMA to certify that the system meets federal cybersecurity and privacy standards before launch.

7. Waive Paperwork Delays During Disasters: Permit temporary waivers of the Paperwork Reduction Act during federally declared disasters to speed up information collection.

8. Mandate Transparency and Oversight: Require FEMA and GAO to report to Congress on implementation progress, interagency collaboration, and any privacy concerns.

9. Support Fraud Detection and Prevention: Equip federal agencies to identify and investigate waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination during the assistance process.

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Homeland Security Committee Approves Bill to Streamline Federal Disaster Assistance

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