Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Applauds Passage of FEMA Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos offered the following statement upon the bipartisan passage of H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act:
“Far too often, we’ve seen smaller communities in Illinois face discrimination under FEMA’s disaster declaration process,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “That’s why I fought for reform that will help level the playing field for downstate Illinois by ensuring that FEMA takes into consideration a storm’s localized impact when determining federal disaster assistance.”
The FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act includes a provision that requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to give greater weight and consideration to the localized impact of a disaster when determining the need for federal assistance, a reform that Congresswoman Bustos has continuously fought for since a major tornado devastated communities in Pekin, East Peoria and Washington, Illinois.
In total, the storm caused three fatalities, 125 injuries, and totaled over $935 million in damage costs. Despite the major damage and impact on the communities, FEMA denied Illinois’ request for disaster recovery assistance.
In response, Congresswoman Bustos, along with other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, introduced bipartisan legislation to bring fairness to the FEMA disaster declaration process. Her bill is similar to the key provision ultimately included in the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act, which passed the House of Representatives today.
Additionally, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act requires FEMA to report to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, no later than a year after enactment, on the changes made to regulations and to study and report on disaster losses, costs, roles and responsibilities, and mechanisms and incentives to reduce costs and losses as well as recommend legislative solutions.
###