Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act, legislation to ensure that disaster survivors can access temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) without delays caused by the determination of their insurance status.
“From the recent wildfires in California to hurricanes and floods across the country, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “When families are forced to evacuate or lose their homes, they’re already facing immense stress and uncertainty. They deserve immediate support, not bureaucratic delays while FEMA determines their insurance status.
“Survivors should not be penalized for having insurance. They should be able to access help without unnecessary obstacles. My bill ensures that temporary housing assistance reaches people when they need it most, so they can begin to rebuild their lives as possible and get the support they need without unnecessary delays.”
Under current law, FEMA cannot provide temporary housing assistance to individuals with insurance unless it is confirmed that their policy does not cover the same expenses. Survivors often face weeks or months of delay waiting for insurance determinations, leaving them without critical housing support.
Brownley’s legislation addresses this problem by clarifying that pending or potential insurance coverage should not delay FEMA’s ability to provide temporary housing. The bill would ensure that assistance is provided quickly and equitably to all eligible disaster survivors, regardless of insurance status.
Background
FEMA’s Temporary Housing Assistance program, offered through the Individuals and Households Program, provides rental assistance and other forms of shelter to individuals impacted by Presidentially-declared disasters. However, under FEMA’s current interpretation of the Stafford Act, individuals with insurance must wait for a determination before accessing these resources.
The FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act would streamline FEMA’s process, accelerate the delivery of aid, and eliminate unnecessary administrative barriers.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief