Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR271

Introduced

11/30/23

Refer

11/30/23

Caption

Urging the Congress of the United States to adequately and immediately replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund.

Impact

The resolution impacts federal funding policies, primarily focusing on the allocation and replenishment of disaster relief funds managed by FEMA. It reflects the broader implications for state laws related to disaster preparedness and recovery tactics. By advocating for an increase in the Disaster Relief Fund, HR271 seeks to bolster emergency management efforts at the federal level, thereby indirectly supporting state disaster response frameworks that depend on federal assistance. Through this resolution, concerns over emergency preparedness and the capacity to respond to natural disasters are foregrounded, especially as climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather events.

Summary

House Resolution 271 urges the Congress of the United States to promptly replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund. This resolution is particularly significant in light of increasing natural disasters and the essential need for adequate funding to respond effectively to such emergencies. The bill emphasizes the crucial role that FEMA plays in disaster response and recovery, which is vital for both local and state governments facing the aftermath of disasters. By addressing the funding concerns, the resolution aims to ensure that FEMA can provide the necessary support to affected communities in a timely manner.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR271 is largely supportive, reflecting a recognition of the need for robust emergency management resources. Members of the House expressed their commitment to ensuring that federal agencies can meet the demands placed upon them during disasters. The resolution received unanimous voting in favor (25 yeas and 0 nays), indicating a strong bipartisan agreement on the necessity of replenishing the disaster relief fund and acknowledging FEMA's pivotal role in disaster response. The discussions highlighted a collective understanding that timely and sufficient funding is critical to safeguard communities across the nation.

Contention

While there does not appear to be significant contention associated with HR271 based on the recorded discussions or voting history, the general topic of disaster funding can occasionally spark debates regarding the adequacy of federal assistance versus local responsibilities. Occasionally, concerns arise about how disaster funding is distributed and if it reaches the most affected areas efficiently. However, in this case, the unanimous approval suggests that lawmakers are united in acknowledging the urgency and importance of maintaining robust disaster management funding through FEMA.

Latest PA HR271 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HR271

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB8368

To appropriate funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, and for other purposes.

PA HR0051

A resolution to urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to immediately release 56 million dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds allocated to the state of Michigan.

PA SR41

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

PA SCR57

Urging The Congress Of The United States To Enact A National Reinsurance Program To Address The Multi-state Insurance Crisis Resulting From Catastrophic Natural Disasters.

PA HB3177

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that cost estimates, acquisition of proper materials, and any other activity related to certain projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are performed by professionals licensed in the relevant State, and for other purposes.

PA HB1073

Disaster or emergency response and recovery costs, authority to spend funds from the state disaster relief fund, and uses of the state disaster relief fund.

PA HR193

Urging the President of the United States to unfreeze previously appropriated Federal funds and cease future action freezing Federal funds that the Congress has appropriated.

PA HR109

Urging the Congress of the United States to make "Patriots' Day" a Federal holiday.

PA HB316

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.

PA HB5780

Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025

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