Edwards - Supported FEMA Reform Act Advances Out of Committee

WASHINGTON, DC - The FEMA Reform Act advanced out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This comprehensive legislation includes key provisions from bills introduced or cosponsored by Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) to benefit Western North Carolinians still facing the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, including: 

• Disaster Survivors Fairness Act: Streamlines the FEMA application process and improves coordination among federal agencies to more effectively assist disaster victims.
• Fair Disaster Assistance Act: Protects federal disaster assistance applicants by ensuring FEMA does not issue premature denial notices before a final decision has been made regarding their insurance claim for disaster-related losses.
• Promoting Resilient Buildings Act: Expands the definition of building codes to prevent burdens on states, homebuilders, and local municipalities and promoting more resilient buildings to ensure they are prepared in the event of a natural disaster.
• Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities for All Act: Reinstates and reforms the BRIC program to ensure rural communities have fair access to hazard mitigation funding. 

This legislation will also ensure anyone needing federal assistance has proficient guidance from FEMA on available avenues to access, including the rebuilding of private and public roads and bridges.

“When Hurricane Helene hit our mountain communities last year, our region was devastated. Over the past year, we’ve seen the importance of well-run emergency management and disaster relief services and the impact they have on getting communities back on their feet,” said Congressman Edwards. “The FEMA Reform Act will make necessary changes first steps to fix the broken, bureaucratic FEMA that has failed our mountains.”

The FEMA Reform Act has received significant bipartisan support and will soon be brought to the floor for a vote. 

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