,i #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #dffi ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #bc1 #bjbe,mr4 ,graves 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,larsen of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,webster of ,florida1 and ,mr4 ,stanton7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to authorize and improve the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency and reform ,federal disaster mitigation1 preparedness1 response1 and recovery1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,fixing ,emergency ,management for ,americans ,act of #bjbe or the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,division ,a--,establishment of ,,fema as ,cabinet-,level ,independent ,agency,title ,i--,establishment of ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency,sec4 #aa4 ,establishment of independent agency4,sec4 #ab4 ,administrator2 ,deputy ,administrator2 other officials of the ,agency4,sec4 #ac4 ,authority and responsibilities4,sec4 #ad4 ,office of the ,inspector ,general4,sec4 #ae4 ,transfer of functions4,sec4 #af4 ,personnel and other transfers4,sec4 #ag4 ,saving provisions4,sec4 #ah4 ,references4,sec4 #ai4 ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency ,working ,capital ,fund4,sec4 #bj4 ,improving disaster assistance for veterans4,title ,,ii--,offices and ,functions of ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency,sec4 #ba4 ,national emergency management4,title ,,iii--,related ,matters,sec4 #ca4 ,changes to administrative documents4,sec4 #cb4 ,recommended legislation4,division ,b--,,fema ,reforms,title ,i--,public ,assistance ,reforms,sec4 #aja4 ,rebuilding public infrastructure4,sec4 #ajb4 ,task force to address backlog of open declared disasters4,sec4 #ajc4 ,disaster declaration damage thresholds4,sec4 #ajd4 ,federal permitting improvement4,sec4 #aje4 ,unified ,federal review4,sec4 #ajf4 ,block grants for small disasters4,sec4 #ajg4 ,common sense debris removal4,sec4 #ajh4 ,disaster management costs modernization4,sec4 #aji4 ,streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments4,sec4 #aaj4 ,reasonable incident periods4,sec4 #aaa4 ,fire management assistance program policy4,sec4 #aab4 ,indian tribal government eligibility4,sec4 #aac4 ,strengthening closeouts for critical services4,sec4 #aad4 ,sheltering of emergency response personnel4,sec4 #aae4 ,emergency protective measures to fight flooding damage4,sec4 #aaf4 ,fairness and accountability in appeals4,sec4 #aag4 ,expedited funding for emergency work4,sec4 #aah4 ,consistency in procurement practices4,title ,,ii--,individual ,assistance ,reforms,sec4 #bja4 ,information sharing for ,federal agencies4,sec4 #bjb4 ,universal application for individual assistance4,sec4 #bjc4 ,clarifying duplication of benefits4,sec4 #bjd4 ,crisis counseling and addiction in disasters4,sec4 #bje4 ,repair and rebuilding4,sec4 #bjf4 ,,fema emergency home repair program4,sec4 #bjg4 ,direct assistance4,sec4 #bjh4 ,accurate information to disaster victims4,sec4 #bji4 ,improved notices for ,,fema assistance4,sec4 #baj4 ,common sense displacement assistance for disaster victims4,sec4 #baa4 ,state-managed housing authority4,sec4 #bab4 ,improved rental assistance4,sec4 #bac4 ,online guides for postdisaster assistance4,sec4 #bad4 ,clarifying sheltering assistance eligibility4,sec4 #bae4 ,access to lifesaving non-congregate sheltering4,sec4 #baf4 ,assistance for total loss4,title ,,iii--,mitigation ,reforms,sec4 #cja4 ,preapproved project mitigation plans4,sec4 #cjb4 ,reducing disaster costs and protecting lives4,sec4 #cjc4 ,resilient buildings and communities4,sec4 #cjd4 ,strengthening hazard risk reduction4,sec4 #cje4 ,utility resiliency4,sec4 #cjf4 ,additional amendments to hazard mitigation revolving loan fund4,sec4 #cjg4 ,streamlined hazard mitigation application process4,sec4 #cjh4 ,study and report on mitigation benefits4,title ,,iv--,transparency and ,accountability,sec4 #dja4 ,,gao review of ,,fema transition4,sec4 #djb4 ,transparency and online accountability4,sec4 #djc4 ,prohibition on political discrimination4,sec4 #djd4 ,review of burdensome regulations and policies4,sec4 #dje4 ,report on assistance to individuals4,sec4 #djf4 ,individual assistance dashboard4,sec4 #djg4 ,,gao report on preliminary damage assessments4,sec4 #djh4 ,improved rental assistance4,sec4 #dji4 ,,gao assessment on identity theft and disaster fraud in disaster assistance programs4,sec4 #daj4 ,,gao study on insurance utilization for public assistance-eligible facilities4,sec4 #daa4 ,study on wildfire management plans4,sec4 #dab4 ,effectiveness of local1 ,state1 territory1 and ,federal alerting systems4,sec4 #dac4 ,,gao review of management costs4,sec4 #dad4 ,report on coordination of disaster assistance to individuals4,sec4 #dae4 ,,gao review of cost savings associated with repair and rebuilding reforms4,sec4 #daf4 ,transparency for disaster declarations4,sec4 #dag4 ,fast-moving disasters working group4,sec4 #dah4 ,public assistance dashboard4,sec4 #dai4 ,improving disaster workforce retention4 ,a ,establishment of ,,fema as ,cabinet-,level ,independent ,agency ,i ,establishment of ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency #aa4 ,establishment of independent agency 7a7 ,in general ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency is established as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch4 7b7 ,mission ,the primary mission of the ,agency is to reduce the loss of life and property of the ,nation from all hazards1 including natural disasters and manmade disasters1 by leading and supporting the ,nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness1 response1 recovery1 and mitigation4 7c7 ,specific activities ,in support of the primary mission of the ,agency1 the ,administrator of the ,agency shall-- 7#a7 lead the ,nation's efforts to prepare for1 respond to1 recover from1 and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters and manmade disasters1 including catastrophic incidents2 7#b7 to build a national system of emergency management that can effectively and efficiently use the full measure of the ,nation's resources to respond to natural disasters and manmade disasters1 including catastrophic incidents1 partner with-- 7,a7 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments2 7,b7 emergency response providers2 7,c7 other ,federal agencies2 7,d7 the private sector2 and 7,e7 nongovernmental organizations2 7#c7 develop a ,federal response capability that1 when necessary and appropriate1 can act effectively and rapidly to deliver assistance essential to saving lives or protecting or preserving property or public health and safety in a natural disaster or manmade disaster2 7#d7 integrate the emergency preparedness1 response1 recovery1 and mitigation responsibilities of the ,agency to confront effectively the challenges of a natural disaster or manmade disaster2 7#e7 develop and maintain robust ,regional ,offices1 inclusive of regional disability integration specialists1 that work with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 emergency response providers1 and other appropriate entities to identify and address regional priorities2 7#f7 provide funding1 training1 exercises1 technical assistance1 planning1 and other assistance to build the ,tribal1 local1 ,state1 regional1 and national capabilities 7including communications capabilities7 necessary to respond to a natural disaster or manmade disaster2 7#g7 develop and coordinate the implementation of an all-hazards strategy for preparedness that builds the common capabilities necessary to respond to natural disasters and manmade disasters while also building the unique capabilities necessary to respond to specific types of incidents that pose the greatest risk to our ,nation2 and 7#h7 identify1 integrate1 and implement the needs of children1 including children within underserved communities1 individuals with disabilities1 and other vulnerable populations with access and functional needs1 into activities to prepare for1 respond to1 recover from1 and mitigate against the risk of natural disasters and other disasters1 including catastrophic incidents1 including by appointing a technical expert1 who may consult with relevant outside organizations and experts1 as necessary1 to coordinate such integration1 as necessary4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,catastrophic incident ,the term catastrophic incident means any natural disaster1 act of terrorism1 or other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population 7including mass evacuations71 infrastructure1 environment1 economy1 national morale1 or government functions in an area4 7#b7 ,critical infrastructure ,the term critical infrastructure has the meaning given that term in section #ajaf7;e7 of ,public ,law #ajg-ef 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaie;c7e774 7#c7 ,local government ,the term local government means-- 7,a7 a county1 municipality1 city1 town1 township1 local public authority1 school district1 special district1 intrastate district1 council of governments 7regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under ,state law71 regional or interstate government entity1 or agency or instrumentality of a local government2 7,b7 an ,indian tribe or authorized tribal organization1 or in ,alaska a ,native village or ,alaska ,regional ,native ,corporation2 and 7,c7 a rural community1 unincorporated town or village1 or other public entity4 7#d7 ,resources ,the term resources means personnel and major items of equipment1 supplies1 and facilities available or potentially available for responding to a natural disaster1 act of terrorism1 or other manmade disaster4 7#e7 ,state ,the term ,state means any ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any possession of the ,united ,states4 7#f7 ,tribal government ,the term ,tribal government means the government of an ,indian tribe or authorized tribal organization1 or in ,alaska a ,native village or ,alaska ,regional ,native ,corporation4 7#g7 ,vulnerable populations with access and functional needs ,the term vulnerable populations with access and functional needs means-- 7,a7 the elderly1 children1 and individuals with disabilities 7including individuals with mobility1 communication1 intellectual1 and processing disabilities7 for whom emergencies may present unique access and functional needs1 such as maintaining independence1 communication1 transportation1 supervision1 and medical care2 and 7,b7 include individuals described in subparagraph 7,a7 who reside in institutionalized settings4 #ab4 ,administrator2 ,deputy ,administrator2 other officials of the ,agency 7a7 ,administrator 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall be headed by an ,administrator1 who shall be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 and who shall report directly to the ,president4 7#b7 ,principal advisor on emergency management ,the ,administrator is the principal advisor to the ,president for all matters relating to emergency management in the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,qualifications ,the ,administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have-- 7,a7 a demonstrated ability in1 and knowledge of1 emergency management2 and 7,b7 not less than #e years of executive leadership and management experience in the public or private sector4 7#d7 ,executive schedule ,title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 in section #ecab1 by adding at the end the following3 ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 2 and 7,b7 in section #ecac1 by striking the item relating to ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency44 7b7 ,deputy ,administrator 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,agency shall have one ,deputy ,administrator1 who shall be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate4 ,the ,deputy ,administrator shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by the ,administrator and act for the ,administrator when the ,administrator is absent or unable to serve or when the position of the ,administrator is vacant4 7#b7 ,qualifications ,the ,deputy ,administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have extensive experience in emergency preparedness1 response1 recovery1 and mitigating hazards4 7#c7 ,executive schedule ,section #ecad of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to ,deputy ,administrators1 ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 and inserting the following3 ,deputy ,administrator1 ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 4 7c7 ,assistant ,administrators 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,agency shall have one or more ,assistant ,administrators1 who shall be appointed by the ,administrator1 and whose duties shall be determined by the ,administrator4 7#b7 ,qualifications ,each ,assistant ,administrator shall be appointed from among individuals who have a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management or other field relevant to their position4 #ac4 ,authority and responsibilities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall provide ,federal leadership necessary to prepare for1 respond to1 recover from1 or mitigate against all disasters1 including natural or manmade1 including-- 7#a7 helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers to major disasters 7as that term is defined in section #ajb of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eabb77 and other emergencies2 7#b7 with respect to the ,nuclear ,incident ,response ,team-- 7,a7 establishing standards and certifying when such standards have been met2 and 7,b7 conducting joint and other exercises and training and evaluating performance2 7#c7 providing the ,federal ,government's response to all disasters1 including-- 7,a7 managing such response2 7,b7 directing the ,domestic ,emergency ,support ,team and the ,nuclear ,incident ,response ,team2 7,c7 overseeing the ,metropolitan ,medical ,response ,system2 and 7,d7 coordinating other ,federal response resources1 including requiring deployment of the ,strategic ,national ,stockpile1 in the event of a disaster2 7#d7 aiding the recovery from a disaster2 7#e7 building a comprehensive national incident management system with ,federal1 ,state1 and local government personnel1 agencies1 and authorities1 to respond to such attacks and disasters2 7#f7 consolidating existing ,federal ,government emergency response plans into a single1 coordinated national response plan2 7#g7 helping ensure the acquisition of operable and interoperable communications capabilities by ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments and emergency response providers2 7#h7 assisting the ,president in carrying out the functions under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 and carrying out all functions and authorities given to the ,administrator under such ,act2 7#i7 carrying out the mission of the ,agency to reduce the loss of life and property and prepare the ,nation for all hazards by leading and supporting the ,nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of-- 7,a7 mitigation1 by taking sustained actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from hazards and their effects2 7,b7 preparedness1 by planning1 training1 and building the emergency management profession to prepare effectively for1 mitigate against1 respond to1 and recover from any hazard2 7,c7 response1 by conducting emergency operations to save lives and property through positioning emergency equipment1 personnel1 and supplies1 through evacuating potential victims1 through providing food1 water1 shelter1 and medical care to those in need1 and through restoring critical public services2 and 7,d7 recovery1 by rebuilding communities so individuals1 businesses1 and governments can function on their own1 return to normal life1 and protect against future hazards2 7#aj7 increasing efficiencies1 by coordinating efforts relating to preparedness1 response1 recovery1 and mitigation2 7#aa7 helping to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response providers in responding to all hazards1 including natural or man-made2 7#ab7 supervising grant programs administered by the ,agency2 7#ac7 administering and ensuring the implementation of the ,national ,response ,plan1 including coordinating and ensuring the readiness of each emergency support function under the ,national ,response ,plan2 7#ad7 coordinating with the ,national ,advisory ,council established under section #ejh of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cah72 7#ae7 preparing and implementing the plans and programs of the ,federal ,government for-- 7,a7 continuity of operations2 7,b7 continuity of government2 and 7,c7 continuity of plans2 7#af7 minimizing1 to the extent practicable1 overlapping planning and reporting requirements applicable to ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments and the private sector2 7#ag7 maintaining and operating within the ,agency the ,national ,response ,coordination ,center or its successor2 7#ah7 developing a national emergency management system that is capable of preparing for1 responding to1 recovering from1 and mitigating against catastrophic incidents2 7#ai7 assisting the ,president in carrying out the functions under the national preparedness goal and the national preparedness system and carrying out all functions and authorities of the ,administrator under the national preparedness ,system2 7#bj7 carrying out all authorities of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 and 7#ba7 otherwise carrying out the mission of the ,agency as described in section #aa7;b74 7b7 ,all-,hazards approach ,in carrying out the responsibilities under this section1 the ,administrator shall coordinate the implementation of an all-hazards strategy that builds those common capabilities necessary to prepare for1 respond to1 recover from1 or mitigate against all-hazards whether natural or manmade1 while also building the unique capabilities necessary to prepare for1 respond to1 recover from1 or mitigate against the risks of specific types of incidents that pose the greatest risk to the ,nation4 7c7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,interoperable ,the term interoperable has the meaning given the term interoperable communications under section #gcjc7;g77#a7 of the ,intelligence ,reform and ,terrorism ,prevention ,act of #bjjd 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aid7;g77#a774 7#b7 ,local government ,the term local government means-- 7,a7 a county1 municipality1 city1 town1 township1 local public authority1 school district1 special district1 intrastate district1 council of governments 7regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under ,state law71 regional or interstate government entity1 or agency or instrumentality of a local government2 7,b7 an ,indian tribe or authorized tribal organization1 or in ,alaska a ,native village or ,alaska ,regional ,native ,corporation2 and 7,c7 a rural community1 unincorporated town or village1 or other public entity4 7#c7 ,resources ,the term resources means personnel and major items of equipment1 supplies1 and facilities available or potentially available for responding to a natural disaster1 act of terrorism1 or other manmade disaster4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state means any ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any possession of the ,united ,states4 7#e7 ,tribal government ,the term ,tribal government means the government of an ,indian tribe or authorized tribal organization1 or in ,alaska a ,native village or ,alaska ,regional ,native ,corporation4 #ad4 ,office of the ,inspector ,general ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall have an ,office of the ,inspector ,general1 headed by an ,inspector ,general who shall be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 in accordance with chapter #d of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #ae4 ,transfer of functions 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided by subsection 7c71 there shall be transferred to the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency the following3 7#a7 ,all functions of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 as constituted on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 including continuity of operations and continuity of ,government plans and programs4 7#b7 ,the functions relating to the ,agency under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 and other laws1 including-- 7,a7 the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djja et seq472 7,b7 the ,earthquake ,hazards ,reduction ,act of #aigg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ggja et seq472 7,c7 the ,national ,dam ,safety ,program ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #dfg et seq472 7,d7 the ,federal ,fire ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aigd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bbja et seq472 7,e7 ,reorganization ,plan ,no4 #c of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app472 7,f7 section #fab of the ,security and ,accountability ,for ,every ,port ,act of #bjjf 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cad;a72 7,g7 title ,,iii of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacca et seq472 7,h7 the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjg 7,public ,law #aji-bie72 7,i7 the ,disaster ,relief ,appropriations ,act1 #bjac 7,public ,law #aac-b72 7,j7 the ,,faa ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bed72 7,k7 the ,bipartisan ,budget ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-abc72 7,l7 the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7,public ,law #aaj-ec72 and 7,m7 any other relevant laws relating to the ,agency4 7b7 ,inspector ,general ,there shall be transferred to the ,inspector ,general of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency all of the functions relating to the ,inspector ,general that were transferred from the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to the ,department of ,homeland ,security on or after ,january #a1 #bjjc4 7c7 ,exceptions 7#a7 ,programs unaffected ,the following programs shall not be affected by this ,act and shall remain within the ,department of ,homeland ,security3 7,a7 ,the grant programs authorized by sections #adjf1 #aeac1 and #aecb of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aace1 #aafc1 and #aahb74 7,b7 ,the grant program authorized by section #gjajg of title #df1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,c7 ,programs authorized in subtitle ,a of title ,,xx of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fjc et seq474 7#b7 ,memorandum of understanding ,with respect to the programs under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and the ,administrator shall enter into a memorandum of understanding providing that-- 7,a7 during the transition period under subsection 7e71 the ,administrator shall continue to administer such programs2 and 7,b7 the ,administrator may assess a fee on the ,secretary for the administration of such programs and any additional programs1 as considered necessary by the ,administrator or the ,secretary4 7d7 ,united ,states ,fire ,administrator2 ,federal ,insurance ,administrator ,nothing in this ,act shall be construed to affect the appointment of the ,united ,states ,fire ,administrator under section #e7;b7 of the ,fire ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aigd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bbjd7;b77 or the ,federal ,insurance ,administrator under section #aaje7;a7 of the ,housing and ,urban ,development ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dabi74 7e7 ,transition period ,the transfers under this section shall be carried out not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,during the transition period1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security shall provide to the ,administrator such assistance1 including the use of personnel and assets1 as the ,administrator may request in preparing for the transfer4 7f7 ,transition ,the ,administrator may use-- 7#a7 the services of such officers1 employees1 and other personnel of the ,department of ,homeland ,security with respect to functions transferred by this section2 and 7#b7 funds appropriated to such functions for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly implementation of this section4 7g7 ,liaison office ,to ensure coordination with ,department of ,homeland ,security ,the ,administrator shall establish a liaison office within the ,agency to ensure adequate coordination with the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 #af4 ,personnel and other transfers 7a7 ,personnel provisions 7#a7 ,appointments ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency may appoint and fix the compensation of such officers and employees1 including investigators1 attorneys1 and administrative law judges1 as may be necessary to carry out the respective functions transferred under section #ae4 ,except as otherwise provided by law1 such officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with the civil service laws and their compensation fixed in accordance with title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,experts and consultants ,the ,administrator may obtain the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section #caji of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and compensate such experts and consultants for each day 7including travel time7 during which they are engaged in the actual performance of such services at rates not in excess of the rate of pay for level ,,iv of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecae of such title4 ,the ,administrator may pay experts and consultants who are serving away from their homes or regular place of business1 travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates authorized by sections #egjb and #egjc of such title for persons in ,government service employed intermittently4 7b7 ,delegation and assignment ,except where otherwise expressly prohibited by law or otherwise provided by this division1 the ,administrator may delegate any of the functions transferred to the ,administrator by section #ae and any function transferred or granted to the ,administrator after the date of the transfers by section #ae to such officers and employees of the ,agency as the ,administrator may designate and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions as may be necessary or appropriate4 ,no delegation of functions by the ,administrator under this subsection or under any other provision of this division shall relieve the ,administrator of responsibility for the administration of such functions4 7c7 ,reorganization ,the ,administrator may allocate or reallocate any function transferred under section #ae among the officers of the ,agency1 and may establish1 consolidate1 alter1 or discontinue such organizational entities in the ,agency as may be necessary or appropriate if the ,administrator1 on or before the #cjth day preceding the date of the allocation or reallocation1 provides to ,congress written notice of the allocation or reallocation4 7d7 ,rules ,the ,administrator may prescribe1 in accordance with the provisions of chapters #e and #f of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 such rules and regulations as the ,administrator determines necessary or appropriate to administer and manage the functions of the ,agency4 7e7 ,transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel ,except as otherwise provided in this division1 the personnel employed in connection with1 and the assets1 liabilities1 contracts1 property1 records1 and unexpended balances of appropriations1 authorizations1 allocations1 and other funds employed1 used1 held1 arising from1 available to1 or to be made available in connection with the functions transferred by section #ae1 subject to section #aeca of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall be transferred to the ,agency4 ,unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this subsection shall be used only for the purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated4 7f7 ,incidental transfers ,the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 in consultation with the ,administrator1 may make such determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions transferred by section #ae1 and may make such additional incidental dispositions of personnel1 assets1 liabilities1 grants1 contracts1 property1 records1 and unexpended balances of appropriations1 authorizations1 allocations1 and other funds held1 used1 arising from1 available to1 or to be made available in connection with such functions1 as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this division4 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget shall provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated by this division and for such further measures and dispositions as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this division4 7g7 ,effect on personnel 7#a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided by this division1 the transfer pursuant to this division of full-time personnel 7except special ,government employees7 and part-time personnel holding permanent positions shall not cause any such employee to be separated or reduced in grade or compensation for one year after the date of transfer of such employee under this division4 7#b7 ,executive schedule positions ,except as otherwise provided in this division1 any person who1 on the day preceding the date of the transfers of functions under section #ae1 held a position compensated in accordance with the ,executive ,schedule prescribed in chapter #ec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and who1 without a break in service1 is appointed in the ,agency to a position having duties comparable to the duties performed immediately preceding such appointment shall continue to be compensated in such new position at not less than the rate provided for such previous position1 for the duration of the service of such person in such new position4 #ag4 ,saving provisions 7a7 ,continuing effect of legal documents ,all orders1 determinations1 rules1 regulations1 permits1 agreements1 grants1 contracts1 certificates1 licenses1 registrations1 privileges1 and other administrative actions-- 7#a7 which have been issued1 made1 granted1 or allowed to become effective by the ,president1 any ,federal agency or official thereof1 or by a court of competent jurisdiction1 in the performance of functions that are transferred under section #ae2 and 7#b7 which are in effect on the date of the transfers of functions under section #ae1 or were final before such date and are to become effective on or after such date1 shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified1 terminated1 superseded1 set aside1 or revoked in accordance with law by the ,president1 the ,administrator1 or other authorized official1 a court of competent jurisdiction1 or by operation of law4 7b7 ,proceedings not affected ,the provisions of this division shall not affect any proceedings1 including notices of proposed rulemaking1 or any application for any license1 permit1 certificate1 or financial assistance pending before the ,agency on the date of the transfers of functions under section #ae1 with respect to functions transferred by section #ae1 but such proceedings and applications shall continue4 ,orders shall be issued in such proceedings1 appeals shall be taken therefrom1 and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders1 as if this division had not been enacted1 and orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified1 terminated1 superseded1 or revoked by a duly authorized official1 by a court of competent jurisdiction1 or by operation of law4 ,nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this division had not been enacted4 7c7 ,suits not affected ,the provisions of this division shall not affect suits commenced before the date of the transfers of functions under section #ae1 and in all such suits1 proceedings shall be had1 appeals taken1 and judgments rendered in the same manner and with the same effect as if this division had not been enacted4 7d7 ,nonabatement of actions ,no suit1 action1 or other proceeding commenced by or against the ,agency1 or by or against any individual in the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the ,agency1 shall abate by reason of the enactment of this division4 7e7 ,administrative actions relating to promulgation of regulations ,any administrative action relating to the preparation or promulgation of a regulation by the ,agency relating to a function transferred under section #ae may be continued by the ,agency with the same effect as if this division had not been enacted4 #ah4 ,references 7a7 ,references to ,,fema ,any reference to the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency in any law1 ,executive order1 rule1 regulation1 certificate1 directive1 instruction1 delegation of authority1 or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the ,agency established by section #aa4 7b7 ,references to ,administrator of ,,fema ,any reference to the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency in any law1 ,executive order1 rule1 regulation1 certificate1 directive1 instruction1 delegation of authority1 or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the ,administrator established by section #ab7;a77#a74 7c7 ,references to ,inspector ,general ,any reference to the ,inspector ,general of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency or to the functions relating to such office that were transferred from the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to the ,department of ,homeland ,security on or after ,january #a1 #bjjc1 in any law1 ,executive order1 rule1 regulation1 certificate1 directive1 instruction1 delegation of authority1 or other official paper shall be considered to refer and apply to the ,inspector ,general established by section #ad or to the functions related to the office of such ,inspector ,general4 #ai4 ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency ,working ,capital ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is hereby established in the ,treasury a revolving fund for the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency for operation of any ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency headquarters1 multi-discipline facility to be known as the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency ,working ,capital ,fund4 7b7 ,fees for services 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency may charge a fee for services and equipment provided at any ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency headquarters1 multi-discipline facility to the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 other ,federal agencies1 and other sources authorized by law1 and shall deposit such fees charged into the account of the revolving fund established under this section4 7#b7 ,fee amount ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall set the fee authorized under this subsection at rates that will return in full all expenses of operation for the facility or facilities1 including accrued leave1 depreciation of fund plant and equipment1 amortization of automated data processing software and systems 7either acquired or donated71 and an amount necessary to maintain reasonable operating reserve as determined by the ,administrator4 7#c7 ,advance of funds ,participants requesting services or equipment at the facility or facilities shall pay for such services and equipment by advance of funds-- 7,a7 if the ,administrator determines that amounts in the revolving fund are otherwise insufficient to cover the costs of providing such equipment and services2 or 7,b7 upon agreement between the participants and the ,administrator4 7c7 ,contents of fund ,the revolving fund established under this section shall consist of the following amounts3 7#a7 ,amounts deposited by the ,administrator under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,any other amounts received by the ,administrator which are attributable to the programs covered by the fund4 7#c7 ,such other amounts as may be appropriated under law4 7d7 ,use of amounts ,amounts deposited into the revolving fund established under this section shall be available for the necessary expenses of operating the facility or facilities1 including the provision of equipment and services on a fee basis as authorized under subsection 7b74 7e7 ,deposit of funds during transition ,notwithstanding section #ejf of the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjd 7,public ,law #ajh-ij2 #ca ,u4,s4,c4 #eja note7 7as extended by section #ejd of the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,appropriations ,act1 #bjbc 7division ,f of ,public ,law #aag-cbh71 and any subsequent law71 there shall be transferred to the revolving fund established under this section the assets1 liabilities1 contracts1 inventory1 equipment1 property1 records1 and unexpended balance of appropriations and other funds held1 used1 arising from1 available to1 or to be made available to the ,department of ,homeland ,security ,working ,capital ,fund for the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 ,unexpended funds transferred pursuant to this paragraph shall be merged with the revolving fund and shall be available as authorized by this section4 #bj4 ,improving disaster assistance for veterans 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #eada et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #cbh4 ,designation of ,veterans ,advocate 7a7 ,in general ,the ,president shall designate in the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency a ,veterans ,advocate4 7b7 ,responsibilities ,the ,veterans ,advocate shall be an advocate for the fair treatment of veterans in the provision of assistance under this ,act4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,veterans ,advocate shall-- 7#a7 participate in the disaster declaration process under section #dja and the emergency declaration process under section #eja to ensure that the needs of veterans are being addressed2 7#b7 serve as the primary point of contact between veterans service organizations and the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7#c7 identify opportunities for expanded veteran recruitment for ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency employment1 including ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency reservist positions2 and 7#d7 conduct such other activities as the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency considers appropriate4 4 7b7 ,statutory construction ,nothing in the amendment made by this section shall be construed to authorize major disaster or emergency assistance under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 that is not authorized as of the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,,ii ,offices and ,functions of ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency #ba4 ,national emergency management 7a7 ,other officers ,section #ajc7;a77#a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aac7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subparagraph 7,d72 and 7#b7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,e7 through 7,k7 as subparagraphs 7,d7 through 7,j71 respectively4 7b7 ,repeals ,sections #ejc1 #ejd1 and #ejf of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #caf71 and the items relating to such sections in section #a7;b7 of such ,act1 are repealed4 7c7 ,regional offices ,section #ejg of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cag7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#b77;,a7 by striking and homeland security2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7f77#c7 by striking other than the ,department4 7d7 ,national ,advisory ,council ,section #ejh of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cah7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of the ,post-,katrina ,emergency ,management ,reform ,act of #bjjf1 the ,secretary shall establish and inserting ,there is established2 and 7,b7 by striking protection12 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#b7 by striking administered by the ,department2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7c77#a77;,d7 by striking protection12 7e7 ,national ,integration ,center ,section #eji7;c77#a7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cai7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a7 by striking ,secretary1 acting through the ,administrator1 and inserting ,administrator2 and 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b77i7 by striking 1 the ,homeland ,security ,council1 and the ,secretary under section #ejc7;c77#d74 7f7 ,evacuation plans and exercises ,section #eab of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7 by inserting 1 in coordination with the ,administrator1 after may2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#b7 by striking ,administrator and inserting ,secretary4 7g7 ,department and agency officials 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ead of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;c7 is amended by striking 7a7 ,deputy and all that follows through ,the ,administrator of the and inserting ,the ,administrator of the4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the item relating to section #ead in the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb is amended to read as follows3 #ead4 ,united ,states ,fire ,administration4 4 7h7 ,national ,operations ,center ,section #eae of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7 by striking ,department and inserting ,agency2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c7 by striking ,secretary each place it appears and inserting ,administrator4 7i7 ,nuclear incident response ,section #eag of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;f7-- 7#a7 by striking ,department each place it appears and inserting ,agency2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking direction of the ,secretary and inserting direction of the ,administrator2 and 7,b7 by striking control of the ,secretary and inserting control of the ,administrator4 7j7 ,conduct of certain public health-,related activities ,section #eah of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;g7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking collaboration with the ,secretary and inserting collaboration with the ,administrator2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7 by striking with the ,secretary and inserting with the ,administrator4 7k7 ,use of national private sector networks in emergency response ,section #eai of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cba;h7 is amended by striking ,secretary and inserting ,administrator4 7l7 ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#a7 ,procurement of security countermeasures for strategic national stockpile ,section #cai;,f-#b of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d-#f;b7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a77#a7 by striking and in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security 7referred to in this section as the ,homeland ,security ,secretary7 and inserting and in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency 7referred to in this section as the ,administrator72 and 7,b7 in subsection 7c7-- 7i7 by striking ,homeland ,security ,secretary each place it appears and inserting ,administrator2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b77;,c7-- 7,i7 by striking ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and inserting ,administrator2 and 7,,ii7 by inserting 1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 after ,energy and ,commerce4 7#b7 ,improving state and local public health security ,section #cai;,c-#a7;f7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d-#c;a7f77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the heading by striking ,homeland ,security and inserting ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 and 7,b7 by striking ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and inserting ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#c7 ,partnerships for ,state and regional hospital preparedness to improve surge capacity ,section #cai;,c-#b7;d77#b77;,b7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d-#c;b7d77#b77;,b77 is amended by inserting and the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency after ,homeland ,security4 7#d7 ,facilities and capacities of the centers for disease control and prevention ,section #cai;,d7c77#b77;,b7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d-#d7;c77#b77;,b77 is amended by inserting the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 after ,homeland ,security14 7#e7 ,emergency system for advance registration of volunteer health professional ,section #cai;,i7f7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d-#g;b7f77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,secretary of ,homeland ,security and inserting ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 and 7,b7 by striking ,department of ,homeland ,security and inserting ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7m7 ,guidance and recommendations ,section #ebc of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cbal7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking the ,administrator and the ,director of the ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency1 in consultation with the private sector and inserting the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency and the private sector2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b77#b7 by striking ,secretary and inserting ,administrator4 7n7 ,voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program ,section #ebd of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cbam7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 and inserting the following3 ,the ,administrator shall establish and implement the voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program in accordance with this section42 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7 by striking designated officer each place it appears and inserting ,administrator4 7o7 ,acceptance of gifts ,section #ebe of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cban7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,secretary each place it appears and inserting ,administrator2 7#b7 in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b7 by striking ,department and inserting ,agency2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7c77#a7 by inserting the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and after submit to4 7p7 ,national planning and education ,section #ebg of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cbap7 is amended by striking ,secretary and inserting ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,secretary14 7q7 ,coordination of ,department of ,homeland ,security efforts related to food1 agriculture1 and veterinary defense against terrorism ,section #ebh7;c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cbaq7c77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,agriculture or and inserting ,agriculture12 and 7#b7 by inserting 1or the ,administrator before the period at the end4 7r7 ,continuity of the economy plan ,section #ifjc of division ,a of the ,william ,m4 7,mac7 ,thornberry ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjba 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,h7 and 7,i7 as subparagraphs 7,i7 and 7,j72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,g7 the following3 7,h7 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,s7 and 7,t7 as subparagraphs 7,t7 and 7,u72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,r7 the following3 7,s7 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives2 4 7s7 ,joint task forces ,section #gjh7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cdh7;b77#b77;,b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7i7-- 7,a7 by striking including section #ejd7;a77#c77;,a712 and 7,b7 in subclause 7,,ii7 by striking paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d77;,a7 of section #ejc7;c7 and section #eji7;c7 of this ,act1 and inserting the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe2 and 7#b7 in clause 7ii7 by striking 1 including and all that follows through section #ejf4 ,,iii ,related ,matters #ca4 ,changes to administrative documents ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall amend ,homeland ,security ,presidential ,directive-#e1 ,homeland ,security ,presidential ,directive-#h1 ,presidential ,policy ,directive-#h1 and any other similar administrative document to reflect the changes made by this division and the amendments made by this division4 #cb4 ,recommended legislation 7a7 ,in general ,after consultation with ,congress1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall prepare recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this division4 7b7 ,submission to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the last day of the transition period referred to in section #ae7;e71 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress a report containing the recommended legislation4 ,b ,,fema ,reforms ,i ,public ,assistance ,reforms #aja4 ,rebuilding public infrastructure 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iv of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #djh the following3 #dji4 ,expedited repair1 restoration1 and replacement of damaged facilities 7a7 ,grants for repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement of a public facility 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,president may make grants-- 7,a7 to a ,state or local government for the repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement of a public facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster2 and 7,b7 subject to paragraph 7#b71 to a person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster for the repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement of the facility4 7#b7 ,conditions for assistance to private nonprofit facilities 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,president may make grants to a private nonprofit facility under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 only if-- 7i7 the facility provides critical services 7as defined by the ,president7 in the event of a major disaster2 or 7ii7 the owner or operator of the facility-- 7,i7 has applied for a disaster loan under section #g7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcf7;b772 and 7,,ii7 7aa7 has been determined to be ineligible for such a loan2 or 7bb7 has obtained such a loan in the maximum amount for which the ,small ,business ,administration determines the facility is eligible4 7,b7 ,religious facilities ,a church1 synagogue1 mosque1 temple1 or other house of worship1 educational facility1 or any other private nonprofit facility shall be eligible for grants under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 without regard to the religious character of the facility or the primary religious use of the facility4 ,no house of worship1 educational facility1 or any other private nonprofit facility may be excluded from receiving grants under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 because leadership or membership in the organization operating the house of worship is limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice4 7,c7 ,definition of critical services ,in this paragraph1 the term critical services includes power1 water 7including water provided by an irrigation organization or facility71 sewer1 wastewater treatment1 communications 7including broadcast and telecommunications71 education1 food and emergency supply distribution1 and emergency medical care4 7#c7 ,notification to ,congress ,the ,president shall notify the following committees not later than #cj days after making any contribution under this section in an amount greater than #bj1jjj1jjj3 7,a7 ,the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate4 7,b7 ,the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7,c7 ,the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 7,d7 ,the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7b7 ,grant requirements 7#a7 ,use of grant funds ,grant funds made to a ,state1 local government1 or a person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility under this section may be used-- 7,a7 to repair1 restore1 reconstruct1 or replace the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building codes as of the time of repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement1 including incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographical area2 7,b7 to repair1 restore1 incorporate mitigation measures1 or expand other selected public facilities2 7,c7 to construct new facilities2 7,d7 and combined to construct a consolidated facility or facilities of a ,state1 local government1 or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility2 or 7,e7 to fund hazard mitigation measures that the ,state or local government determines necessary to meet a need for governmental services and functions in the area affected by the major disaster4 7#b7 ,cost estimation 7,a7 ,amount of grants ,the amount of a grant made available pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall be determined1 without regard to preexisting condition1 based on the estimated cost to repair1 restore1 reconstruct1 or replace the public or private nonprofit facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster to applicable building codes as of the time of repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement4 ,such cost estimate shall-- 7i7 be developed by an appropriately licensed professional2 7ii7 include the cost of incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographical area2 7iii7 include associated expenses including labor costs1 management costs1 materials1 and any other costs to repair1 restore1 reconstruct1 or replace the impacted facility2 and 7iv7 include the cost of developing such estimate4 7,b7 ,presumption of accuracy ,the cost estimate carried out under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be presumed to be accurate and reasonable unless there is evidence of criminal fraud4 7#c7 ,submission ,upon submission by the applicant of the cost estimate carried out under paragraph 7#b71 any review by the ,administrator shall be completed not later than #ij days after the receipt of such estimate4 ,in evaluating whether such cost estimation is accurate and reasonable1 the ,administrator may not consider preexisting condition and the evaluation shall be conducted by an appropriately licensed professional with familiarity with the relevant geographical location1 including market considerations and availability of labor and materials for the applicable project4 ,unless there is evidence of criminal fraud1 such estimate shall be deemed to be approved not later than #ij days after the submission of such estimate4 7#d7 ,availability of funds ,not later than #cj days after the approval of a cost estimate under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall make the grant funds available to the applicant4 7#e7 ,one-time adjustment ,not later than #b years after such approval1 the ,state1 local government1 or person that owns or operates a private nonprofit facility may submit a revised cost estimate to account for changes in labor1 material1 or other costs associated with fluctuations in the market4 ,upon receipt of a revised cost estimate1 the ,administrator shall review such revision in the same manner and with the same time limitations as apply to the initial cost estimate4 7#f7 ,finality of approvals ,upon approval of the grant or one-time adjustment1 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 including section #cgaf7;e7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 unless there is evidence of criminal fraud1 no legal or administrative action with respect to such approval or adjustment1 as applicable1 to recover any payment under this section shall be initiated in any forum4 7#g7 ,special rule for large1 complex projects 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state1 local government1 or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility may1 with the approval of the ,administrator1 designate a large1 complex infrastructure project as a phased project4 7,b7 ,submission of cost estimates ,with respect to projects designated under subparagraph 7,a71 the respective applicant may submit cost estimates for each phase designated for such project4 7,c7 ,approvals ,the submissions for each phase under subparagraph 7,b7 shall be approved in the same manner and with the same limitations as outlined in paragraphs 7#c7 through 7#e74 7#h7 ,deadline ,all cost estimates submitted under this section shall be submitted not later than #e years after the date of the respective major disaster declaration under this title1 unless the #e-year period is extended by the ,president4 7#i7 ,progress reports 7,a7 ,reports ,a ,state1 local government1 or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility that receives funding under this section shall1 for each major disaster declared for which funding was provided under this section1 submit an annual progress report to the ,administrator that includes-- 7i7 a list with descriptions of projects funded2 7ii7 a list and number of projects permitted and commenced2 7iii7 a list of completed projects2 and 7iv7 a list of remaining projects and the status of such projects4 7,b7 ,public availability ,upon receipt of a report under this paragraph1 the ,administrator shall make such report publicly available on the website of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#aj7 ,inspector general review ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this section and annually thereafter1 the inspector general of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 established in section #ad of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 shall conduct a review and submit to the committees described in subsection 7a77#c7 a report containing-- 7,a7 a sampling of cost estimates approved in the prior year and assess their reasonableness taking into account labor1 material1 and market conditions in the relevant locality at the time of the estimate2 7,b7 information on whether the ,administrator has placed any overly burdensome requirements on the applicant in the submission process1 including whether or not the ,administrator has failed to accept submissions based on nonsubstantive or technical reasons2 and 7,c7 any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution4 7#aa7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,applicable building codes ,the term applicable building codes means the latest #b published editions of relevant consensus-based codes1 specifications1 and standards1 including amendments made by ,state1 local1 ,indian tribal1 or territorial governments during the adoption process that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for design1 construction1 and maintenance for the relevant project4 7,b7 ,appropriately licensed professional ,the term appropriately licensed professional means an individual who is an engineer1 architect1 builder1 cost estimator1 tradesperson1 or similar professional 7or combinations thereof1 as needed7 that is licensed1 certified1 or authorized to work in the relevant ,state to perform the type of work related to producing a cost estimate for the relevant project described under this subsection4 7c7 ,funding 7#a7 ,minimum ,federal share ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,federal share of assistance under this section shall be not less than #ge percent of the estimated cost of repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement carried out under this section4 7#b7 ,reduced ,federal share ,the ,president may reduce the ,federal share of assistance under this section to not less than #fe percent through a sliding scale following an event associated with a major disaster in which a ,state or ,indian tribal government has failed to implement appropriate mitigation measures to address the hazard that caused the damage4 ,such mitigation measures shall include-- 7,a7 establishing and maintaining ,state-funded mitigation programs dedicated to investment in ,state and local mitigation projects for public and private nonprofit facilities other than projects carried out with ,federal funds2 7,b7 maintaining specified insurance on the facilities subject to projects described under subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 employing qualified ,state and local emergency management and personnel2 and 7,d7 using non-,federal funding sources to complete projects in the preapproved project mitigation plan approved under section #cbb7;f74 7#c7 ,increased ,federal share 7,a7 ,incentive measures ,the ,president may provide incentives to a ,state or ,tribal government to invest in measures that increase readiness for1 and resilience from1 a major disaster by recognizing such investments through a sliding scale that increases the minimum ,federal share to #he percent4 ,such measures shall include-- 7i7 establishing and maintaining a dedicated disaster account2 7ii7 establishing and maintaining ,state risk management programs with dedicated funding for third-party insurance policies1 captive insurance1 and actuarially sound self-insurance risk pools that insure public facilities against future disaster risk2 7iii7 establishing and maintaining other disaster programs managed and funded by the ,state1 including disaster assistance to individuals2 7iv7 facilitating participation in the community rating system2 7v7 granting tax incentives for projects that reduce risk2 7vi7 facilitating the adoption and enforcement of #a of the #b latest editions of relevant consensus-based codes1 specifications1 and standards1 including amendments made by ,state1 local1 ,indian tribal1 or territorial governments during the adoption process that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design1 construction1 and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this ,act for purposes of protecting the health1 safety1 and general welfare of the buildings' users against disasters2 7vii7 establishing robust floodplain management standards2 7viii7 updating ,state risk assessments with future projections2 7ix7 integrating hazard mitigation planning into resource management plans2 and 7x7 incorporating multi-beneficial natural systems and nature-based solutions in disaster resilience efforts4 7,b7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this paragraph prevents the ,president from increasing the ,federal cost share above #he percent4 7#d7 ,considerations ,in making cost-share determinations under this subsection1 the ,president shall consider-- 7,a7 whether a county1 or county equivalents1 impacted by a disaster has done significantly more to implement the resilience measures listed in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of paragraph 7#b7 and clauses 7i7 through 7x7 of paragraph 7#c77;,a72 and 7,b7 the total population and capacity of each ,state to implement such measures4 7#e7 ,combined sources of funding 7,a7 ,in general ,grant funding received under this section may be used in combination with other ,federal funding and private sector funding4 7,b7 ,conflicting standards ,in any case in which a building code or mitigation standard is in conflict across ,federal agencies of a combined funding project described in subparagraph 7,a71 any codes or standards promulgated by the ,president1 through the ,administrator1 pursuant to this ,act shall be applied4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,sunsets ,section #djf of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagb7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,options ,a ,state1 local government1 or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility eligible for assistance under this section for a project for which an application has been submitted before the date of enactment of this subsection may opt to receive a grant pursuant to section #dji in lieu of contributions available under this section4 7g7 ,sunset 7#a7 ,limitation on applications ,no application may be approved under this section if such application is submitted on or after the date that is #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection4 7#b7 ,sunset of certain authorities ,the authorities under subsections 7a7 through 7c7 and subsections 7e7 through 7f7 of this section shall terminate on ,december #ca1 #bjcb4 4 7#b7 ,public assistance program alternative procedures ,section #dbh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahi;f7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b7 by striking #djf12 7,b7 in subsection 7e7-- 7i7 by striking ,the alternative procedures and all that follows through and #ejb7;a77#e7-- and inserting ,for debris removal under sections #djc7;a77#c77;,a71 #djg1 and #ejb7;a77#e71 the ,president shall adopt alternative procedures for--2 7ii7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f7 as paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 and 7iii7 in paragraph 7#f71 as so redesignated1 by redesignating clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 and 7,c7 by striking subsection 7h74 7#c7 ,repair1 restoration1 and replacement of damaged facilities 7,a7 ,predisaster hazard mitigation ,section #bjc7;i7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc7;i77 is amended by inserting #dji1 after #djh1 each place it appears4 7,b7 ,insurance ,section #caa of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaed7 is amended-- 7i7 in subsection 7a77#a7 by inserting or #dji after section #djf2 7ii7 in subsection 7b7 by inserting or #dji after section #djf2 and 7iii7 in subsection 7c7 by striking section #djf or #dbb and inserting section #djf1 #dji1 or #dbb each place it appears4 7,c7 ,management costs ,section #cbd7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe;b7b77#b77;,b77 is amended by inserting #dji1 after #djg14 7,d7 ,specified insurance ,section #djf7;d7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagb7;d77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking available under this section and inserting available under this section or section #dji2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b7 by striking under this section and inserting under this section or section #dji4 7,e7 ,simplified procedure ,section #dbb7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahi7;a77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a7 by inserting or #dji after section #djf2 and 7ii7 in the matter following paragraph 7#c7 by striking #djg1 or #ejb and inserting #djg1 #dji1 or #ejb4 7,f7 ,agency accountability ,section #dcj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahi;h7 is amended-- 7i7 in subsection 7a7 by inserting or #dji after section #djf2 and 7ii7 in subsection 7e77#a7 by inserting #dji1 after #djg14 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7d7 ,regulations 7#a7 ,application ,any regulations or policies in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act related to ,public ,assistance or related assistance that conflict or are inconsistent with this section1 including subsections 7i71 7k71 and 7l7 of section #bjf4bja of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 and section #bjf4bjb of such title shall not apply to section #dji of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act1 as added by this section4 7#b7 ,notification ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall notify the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate of any regulations in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act that the ,administrator intends to apply to such section #dji4 ,such notification shall include a justification and specify the ambiguity the regulation is intended to clarify4 7#c7 ,policies ,not later than #fj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall provide the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate any written policies and procedures in effect on the date of enactment of this ,act that the ,administration intends to apply to carry out this section4 #ajb4 ,task force to address backlog of open declared disasters 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall establish a declared disasters task force 7in this section referred to as the ,task ,force7 to develop processes and mechanisms necessary for the ,administrator to eliminate the current backlog of open declared disasters4 7b7 ,composition 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,task ,force established under subsection 7a7 shall include the following members3 7,a7 ,the ,administrator1 who shall serve as the chair of the ,task ,force4 7,b7 ,the ,associate ,administrator within the ,office of ,response and ,recovery4 7,c7 ,the ,regional ,administrator for ,region #d4 7,d7 ,the ,regional ,administrator for ,region #f4 7,e7 ,the ,regional ,administrator for ,region #i4 7,f7 ,the ,division ,director for ,public ,assistance within the ,office of ,response and ,recovery4 7,g7 ,any other subject matter expert who is employed by the ,agency1 as the ,administrator determines appropriate4 7#b7 ,detailees ,members of the ,task ,force may detail employees who are employed by the ,agency to assist the ,administrator in fulfilling the duties of the ,task ,force4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,task ,force established under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 establish a temporary office within the ,agency to address open declared disasters2 7#b7 identify the barriers the ,agency has experienced in closing out the backlog2 7#c7 examine any challenges in reducing the number of open declared disasters that are caused by carrying out the program under section #bje of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eace72 7#d7 make recommendations on how to expedite the appeals of assistance denial process under section #dbc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahi;a72 7#e7 identify any barriers preventing the closeout of the excessive backlog2 and 7#f7 coordinate efforts with any processes implemented by ,agency to address the number of open declared disasters1 including the ,backlog ,administrative ,closeout ,process as outlined in the ,public ,assistance ,backlog ,strategy ,implementation ,guidance adopted ,june #bjbd4 7d7 ,completion of ,task ,force activities 7#a7 ,submission of results ,not later than #a year after the establishment of the ,task ,force under subsection 7a71 the ,task ,force shall submit to the ,administrator the results of the activities carried out under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,sunset ,the ,task ,force established under this section shall be terminated upon submission of the results pursuant to paragraph 7#a74 7e7 ,briefings 7#a7 ,initial briefing ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the ,agency's progress in reducing the backlog and any other activities of the ,task ,force4 7#b7 ,semiannual briefings ,the ,administrator shall provide semiannual briefings to the appropriate congressional committees until the ,agency closes out #hjj declared disasters in its backlog4 7#c7 ,yearly ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter so long as any excessive open declared disasters remain1 the ,administrator shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the ,agency's closeout of its excessive backlog4 ,such briefing may be conducted concurrently with a semiannual briefing under paragraph 7#b74 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate2 and 7,c7 the ,committees on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate4 7#b7 ,backlog ,the term backlog means1 with respect to a declared disaster-- 7,a7 the period of performance for the declared disaster has concluded2 and 7,b7 products and services carried out by the ,agency remain to be delivered4 7#c7 ,declared disasters ,the term declared disasters means-- 7,a7 any major disaster declared under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj71 including any grant program relating to such a major disaster2 7,b7 any emergency declared under section #eja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaia71 including any grant program relating to such an emergency2 and 7,c7 any assistance provided for fire management under section #dbj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahg71 including any grant program relating to such fire management4 7#d7 ,excessive backlog ,the term excessive backlog means any declared disaster that-- 7,a7 is an open declared disaster2 and 7,b7 the declaration of which occurred not earlier than #aj years ago4 7g7 ,closeout requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall direct each ,regional ,administrator to close out a declared disaster in the backlog or the excessive backlog1 and disperse the remaining fund balances1 as soon as is practicable after the date on which #ij percent of the costs expended for all approved projects or awards relating to such declared disasters are validated4 7#b7 ,agreements ,a closeout described under paragraph 7#a7 shall include reaching an agreement for projects or awards that are in active litigation1 as the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,cost estimates ,the ,administrator shall close out a declared disaster described in paragraph 7#a71 notwithstanding section #cgaf7;e7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 based on cost estimates4 7h7 ,,gao ,review ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a review and submit a report to ,congress evaluating-- 7#a7 the effectiveness of the activities of the ,task ,force described in subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 the progress of the ,administrator in reducing the excessive backlog4 #ajc4 ,disaster declaration damage thresholds 7a7 ,in general ,in making recommendations to the ,president regarding the eligibility of a ,state impacted by a major disaster declared under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj71 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall use as a factor for consideration whether the impacted counties1 or subdivision therein1 in such ,state meet the definition of an economically distressed community under section #cja4c7;a7 of title #ac1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or a rural area under section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a774 7b7 ,additional authorization ,in all cases where assistance under section #dji of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act1 as added by this ,act1 is authorized for a county1 or a subdivision therein1 that meets the definition of an economically distressed community under section #cja4c7;a7 of title #ac1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or a rural area under section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a771 the ,president shall provide assistance under section #djh of such ,act4 7c7 ,revisions to guidance1 policies1 and regulations ,the ,administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies1 guidance1 or regulations of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to implement subsections 7a7 and 7b74 7d7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall be construed to constrain the authority of the ,president to make a determination of eligibility for assistance under section #dji of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act1 as added by this ,act4 #ajd4 ,federal permitting improvement ,section #caf of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaei7 is amended to read as follows3 #caf4 ,federal permitting improvement 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,protection of environment ,an action which is taken or assistance which is provided pursuant to section #djb1 #djc1 #djf1 #djg1 #dji1 or #ejb shall not be deemed a major ,federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 if the action has the effect of repairing1 restoring1 reconstructing1 or replacing a facility that is damaged by a declared emergency or major disaster pursuant to section #dja or #eja to applicable building codes at the time of repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement1 including incorporating mitigation measures consistent with disaster risks for the geographic area1 provided that facility improvements and mitigation activities occur in the same location of the original facility4 7#b7 ,statutory construction ,nothing in this section shall alter or affect the applicability of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 to other ,federal actions taken under this ,act or under any other provisions of law4 7b7 ,exemptions and expedited procedures 7#a7 ,stormwater discharge permits ,a general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities1 if available1 issued by the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency or the director of a ,state program under section #djb7p7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abdb7p771 as applicable1 shall apply to repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement under subsection 7a71 on submission of a notice of intent to be subject to the permit4 7#b7 ,emergency procedures ,the emergency procedures for issuing permits in accordance with section #cbe4b7;e77#d7 of title #cc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 shall apply to repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement under subsection 7a71 and such repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement shall be considered an emergency under such section4 7#c7 ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act exemption ,repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement under subsection 7a7 shall be eligible for a waiver from the requirements of the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff pursuant to part #gh of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#d7 ,endangered ,species ,act exemption ,an exemption from the requirements of section #g7;a7 of the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77 shall apply to repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement under subsection 7a7 and1 if the ,president makes the determination required under section #g7p7 of such ,act1 the determinations required under subsections 7g7 and 7h7 of such section shall be deemed to be made4 7#e7 ,expedited consultation under ,endangered ,species ,act ,expedited consultation pursuant to section #djb4je of title #ej1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 shall apply to repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement under subsection 7a74 7#f7 ,other exemptions ,any repair1 restoration1 reconstruction1 or replacement that is exempt under paragraph 7#e7 shall also be exempt from requirements under-- 7,a7 the ,migratory ,bird ,treaty ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc et seq472 7,b7 the ,wild and ,scenic ,rivers ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abga et seq472 and 7,c7 the ,fish and ,wildlife ,coordination ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ffa et seq474 7c7 ,state-,managed review process 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsections 7a71 7b71 and 7d71 with the written agreement of the ,administrator and a ,state1 which may be in the form of a memorandum of understanding1 the ,administrator may assign1 and the ,state may assume1 the responsibilities of the ,administrator with respect to #a or more disaster recovery projects within the ,state under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff 7#ed ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjaja et seq471 so long as-- 7,a7 the ,state shall assume responsibilities under this section subject to the same procedural and substantive requirements that would apply if such responsibilities were carried out by the ,administrator1 including the exemptions and expedited procedures under subsection 7b72 7,b7 any responsibility of the ,administrator not explicitly assumed by the ,state under such agreement shall remain the responsibility of the ,administrator2 7,c7 nothing in such agreement preempts or interferes with any power1 jurisdiction1 responsibility1 or authority of an agency1 other than the ,administrator1 under applicable law 7including regulations71 with respect to a project2 7,d7 the ,administrator shall not require a ,state1 as a condition of participation in the program1 to forego project delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for projects2 and 7,e7 a ,state assuming the responsibilities of the ,administrator under this section for a specific project may use funds for attorney's fees directly attributable to eligible activities associated with the project for an increase in management costs4 7#b7 ,assumption of responsibility ,if a ,state assumes responsibility under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 the ,administrator may assign to such ,state1 and such ,state may assume1 all or part of the responsibilities of the ,administrator for environmental review1 consultation1 or other action required under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff 7#ed ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjaja et seq471 pertaining to the review or approval of a specific project2 and 7,b7 at the request of such ,state1 the ,administrator may also assign to such ,state1 and such ,state may assume1 the responsibilities of the ,administrator with respect to #a or more disaster recovery projects within the ,state under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff 7#ed ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjaja et seq474 7#c7 ,rulemaking authority ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall promulgate regulations that establish requirements relating to information required to be contained in any request of a ,state to enter into a written agreement under paragraph 7#a71 including1 at a minimum-- 7,a7 a description of the projects or classes of projects for which the ,state anticipates exercising the authority under this subsection2 7,b7 verification of the financial and personnel resources necessary to carry out such authority2 7,c7 a demonstration of compliance with any applicable public notice law of the ,state1 including copies of comments received from a solicitation carried out pursuant to any such law2 and 7,d7 a demonstration of compliance with applicable ,federal environmental and historic preservation law4 7#d7 ,written agreement ,a written agreement under this section shall-- 7,a7 be executed by the ,governor of the respective ,state2 7,b7 provide that the ,state-- 7i7 agrees to presume all or part of the responsibilities of the ,administrator described in paragraph 7#a72 7ii7 expressly consents1 on behalf of the ,state1 to accept the jurisdiction of the ,federal courts for the compliance1 discharge1 and enforcement of any responsibility of the ,administrator assumed by the ,state2 and 7iii7 certifies that ,state laws 7including regulations7 are in effect that-- 7,i7 authorize the ,state to take the actions necessary to carry out the responsibilities being assumed under such agreement2 and 7,,ii7 are comparable to section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 including providing that any decision regarding the public availability of a document under such ,state laws is reviewable by a court of competent jurisdiction2 and 7,,iii7 agree to maintain the financial resources necessary to carry out the responsibilities being assumed2 7,c7 require the ,state to provide to the ,administrator any information the ,administrator reasonably considers necessary to ensure that the ,state is adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the ,state under such agreement2 7,d7 have a term of not more than #e years2 and 7,e7 be renewable4 7#e7 ,jurisdiction 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,united ,states district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action against a ,state for failure to carry out any responsibility of the ,state under this section4 7,b7 ,legal standards and requirements ,a civil action under paragraph 7#a7 shall be governed by the legal standards and requirements that would apply in such a civil action against the ,administrator had the ,administrator taken the actions in question4 7,c7 ,intervention ,the ,administrator shall have the right to intervene in any action described in paragraph 7#a74 7#f7 ,liability ,a ,state that assumes responsibility under paragraph 7#b7 shall be solely responsible and solely liable for carrying out1 in lieu of and without further approval of the ,administrator1 the responsibilities under such paragraph1 until the participation of the ,state is terminated under paragraph 7#h74 7#g7 ,limitation on agreements ,nothing in this section permits a ,state to assume any rulemaking authority of the ,administrator under any ,federal law4 7#h7 ,termination 7,a7 ,termination by ,administrator ,the ,administrator may only terminate the participation of any ,state under this subsection if-- 7i7 the ,administrator determines that the ,state is not adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the ,state in a written agreement under this subsection2 7ii7 the ,administrator provides to the ,state-- 7,i7 a notification of a determination of noncompliance2 7,,ii7 a period of not less than #abj days to take such corrective action as the ,administrator determines to be necessary to comply with the applicable agreement2 and 7,,iii7 on request of the ,governor1 a detailed description of each responsibility in need of corrective action regarding an inadequacy identified under this subparagraph2 and 7iii7 the ,state1 after the notification and period provided under clause 7ii71 fails to take satisfactory corrective action1 as determined by the ,administrator4 7,b7 ,termination by ,state ,a ,state may terminate the participation of the ,state in the program at any time by providing to the ,administrator a notice by not later than the date that is #ij days before the date of termination1 and subject to such terms and conditions as the ,administrator may provide4 7#i7 ,audits ,to ensure compliance by a ,state with any agreement of the ,state under this subsection 7including compliance by the ,state with all ,federal laws for which responsibility is assumed under paragraph 7#b771 for each ,state participating in an agreement under this subsection1 the inspector general of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency established in section #ad of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 shall-- 7,a7 meet with the ,state not later than #ahj days after signing an agreement to review how the agreement is being implement and plan the first annual audit1 including consulting with the ,state on the selection of the audit team members2 7,b7 conduct an annual audit for each year the ,state is participating in an agreement under this subsection2 7,c7 in the case of an agreement with a duration of more than #e years1 conduct a comprehensive audit covering the first #e years of such agreement2 7,d7 complete each audit within #ahj days1 including time for public comment and responses2 7,e7 make all audits available to the public for comment2 and 7,f7 respond to public comments not later than #fj days after the last day of the comment period4 7#aj7 ,monitoring ,after a ,state has been participating in an agreement under this subsection for #d years1 the ,administrator shall continue to monitor the compliance of such ,state with the agreement1 including whether the ,state is providing enough funding to meet the obligations of such agreement4 7#aa7 ,report to ,congress ,the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress an annual report that describes the administration of this subsection4 7#ab7 ,relationship to locally administered projects ,a ,state assuming authority under a written agreement under this subsection may1 as appropriate and at the request of a local government-- 7,a7 exercise such authority on behalf of the local government for a locally administered project2 or 7,b7 provide guidance and training on consolidating and minimizing the documentation and environmental analyses necessary for sponsors of a locally administered project to comply with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and any comparable requirements under ,state law4 7#ac7 ,agency deemed to be ,federal agency ,a ,state agency assuming responsibility under an agreement under this subsection shall be deemed to be an agency for the purposes of section #bdab of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code4 7d7 ,definition of applicable building codes ,in this section1 the term applicable building codes has the meaning given the term in section #dji7;b77#aa74 7e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall alter or affect the applicability of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 to other ,federal actions taken under this ,act or under any other provisions of law4 4 #aje4 ,unified ,federal review ,title ,,iii of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj et seq47 is amended by striking section #dbi and inserting the following3 #dbi4 ,coordination of required ,federal reviews 7a7 ,in general ,in order to expedite disaster recovery1 the ,administrator shall establish a unified interagency review process to ensure compliance with environmental and historical requirements under ,federal law1 including the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff 7#ed ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjaja et seq471 relating to projects carried out through assistance provided under this ,act1 consistent with applicable law4 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 and in consultation with the ,council on ,environmental ,quality and the ,advisory ,council on ,historic ,preservation1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 formulate and implement administrative1 procedural1 and policy mechanisms to enable the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to act as the lead agency ensuring completion of the environmental and historical review process for projects in a timely1 coordinated1 and responsible manner2 7#b7 carry out the obligations of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency with respect to a project under any other applicable law concurrently1 and in conjunction with1 other environmental and historical reviews and authorizations being conducted by other cooperating and participating agencies1 with the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency as the lead agency2 and 7#c7 in the case in which an environmental impact statement is required for a project1 prepare one document under section #ajg7;b7 of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccf;a7b77 for such project unless the lead agency provides justification in the coordinated project plan that multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project review and authorization4 7c7 ,considerations 7#a7 ,in general ,as early as practicable during an environmental and historical review1 but not later than the commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq471 the lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies to determine the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a project4 7#b7 ,cooperation ,the lead agency and each cooperating and participating agency shall work cooperatively to identify and resolve issues that could delay completion of an environmental and historical review or authorization required for the project under applicable law or result in the denial of any approval under applicable law1 including-- 7,a7 the need for mitigation actions justified by the risk of natural hazards that are consistent with the geographic area in which the major disaster occurred2 and 7,b7 compliance challenges that may arise as a result of the ongoing recovery from a major disaster4 7#c7 ,range of alternatives ,the lead agency shall determine the range of reasonable alternatives for consideration in any document that the lead agency is responsible for preparing in the environmental and historical review for the project4 7#d7 ,methodologies ,the lead agency shall determine1 in collaboration with each cooperating and participating agency at appropriate times during the review1 the methodologies to be used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each alternative determined under paragraph 7#c7 for a project4 7#e7 ,responsibilities 7,a7 ,lead agency ,the lead agency 7as such term is defined in section #aaa of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccf;e77 shall make information available to each cooperating and participating agency and ,state as early as practicable in the environmental and historical review regarding the environmental1 historic1 and socioeconomic resources located within the project area and the general locations of the alternatives determined under paragraph 7#c7 under consideration4 7,b7 ,cooperating and participating agencies ,as early as practicable during an environmental and historical review1 cooperating and participating agencies 7as such terms are defined in section #aaa of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccf;e77 shall identify any issues of concern regarding any potential environmental or historical impacts of the project1 including any issues that could substantially delay or prevent an agency from completing any environmental or historical review or authorization required for the project1 and communicate any issues to the ,state4 7#f7 ,public comment ,the lead agency shall establish a comment period of not less than #de days and not more than #fj days after the date on which a notice announcing availability of the environmental impact statement is published in the ,federal ,register to solicit comments from an agency or the public on a draft environmental impact statement1 unless-- 7,a7 the lead agency1 the ,state1 and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline2 or 7,b7 the lead agency1 in consultation with each cooperating agency1 extends the deadline for good cause4 7#g7 ,record of decision ,not later than #ij days after the date on which a final environmental impact statement is issued1 ,federal agencies shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 issue a record of decision for such environmental impact statement4 7#h7 ,categories of projects ,the authorities granted under this section may be exercised for an individual project or a category of projects4 7d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the applicability of section #caf to projects eligible under such section4 4 #ajf4 ,block grants for small disasters ,the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,,viii ,block ,grants for ,small ,disasters #hja4 ,block grants for small disasters 7a7 ,in general ,the ,governor of a ,state or the governing body of an ,indian tribal government for the area in which a covered small disaster occurs may request a lump sum payment of the estimated damages calculated under subsection 7b7 for such disaster in lieu of any assistance under the ,public ,assistance ,program for such disaster4 7b7 ,calculation ,notwithstanding the requirements of section #bjf4dg7;b7 of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 a payment under subsection 7a7 shall be equal to the amount that is #hj percent of the total estimated cost of the ,federal share under the ,public ,assistance ,program for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the ,state or ,indian tribal government requesting such payment4 7c7 ,limitations 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government receiving a payment under this section may not receive assistance under the ,public ,assistance ,program with respect to the covered small disaster for which a payment was accepted under this section4 7#b7 ,final payment 7,a7 ,in general ,a payment under this section may not be increased or decreased based on actual costs calculated for a covered small disaster4 7,b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator may adjust a payment under this section in the event of unforeseen circumstances at no fault of the applicant4 7#c7 ,selection of option ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government may designate to the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency on an annual basis the interest of such ,state or ,indian tribal government in participating in the small disaster authority4 7#d7 ,indication ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government shall indicate at the time of the submission of a request for a major disaster declaration that such ,state or ,indian tribal government is requesting assistance for such incident under this section4 7#e7 ,timing requirement ,the ,administrator and the ,state or ,indian tribal government shall-- 7,a7 reach an agreement on the amount under subsection 7b7 not later than #ij days after the incident2 or 7,b7 administer the incident under the procedures and authorities for the ,public ,assistance ,program4 7#f7 ,administrative plan ,to be eligible for assistance under this section1 a ,state or ,indian tribal government shall have an administrative plan approved by the ,administrator in place at the time of the obligation of funds provided under this section4 7d7 ,approval of funds ,the ,administrator shall approve funding for eligible disasters not later than #ij days after a receipt of a complete application1 including all required cost estimates and supporting documentation1 from the applicant4 ,in evaluating whether such cost estimate is accurate and reasonable1 the ,administrator may not consider preexisting condition4 7e7 ,availability of funds ,not later than #cj days after the approval of an application under this section1 the ,administrator shall make the grant funds available to the applicant4 7f7 ,use of funds ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government receiving a payment under this section may use such payment for recovery for the covered small disaster in any manner determined appropriate by the respective ,governor or governing body of such ,state or ,indian tribal government if such funds-- 7#a7 address impacts and needs resulting from the declared disaster incident2 7#b7 are provided to ,state1 ,indian tribal government1 territorial and local government agencies1 and private nonprofit entities eligible for ,public ,assistance ,program funding2 and 7#c7 are used in a manner that complies with applicable environmental1 historic preservation1 and civil rights laws 7including the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 and the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act of #aiff 7#ed ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjaja et seq477 and any applicable resiliency standards under section #bjc4 7g7 ,compliance with other laws and regulations ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government shall be responsible for ensuring compliance under subsection 7f77#c74 7h7 ,report to ,,fema ,a ,state or governing body of an ,indian tribal government shall submit to the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency an annual report of expenses for a covered small disaster in the area of jurisdiction of the respective ,state or ,indian tribal government4 7i7 ,rules of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to-- 7#a7 affect the eligibility of a ,state or ,indian tribal government for assistance under section #djd2 or 7#b7 affect any program in title ,,iv or ,v that is not a ,public ,assistance ,program4 7j7 ,inspector general review ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 and annually thereafter1 the inspector general of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency established in section #ad of such ,act shall conduct a review and submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a report containing-- 7#a7 information on the number of ,states and ,indian tribal governments that-- 7,a7 have designated to the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency interest in participating in the small disaster authority under subsection 7c77#c72 and 7,b7 have requested assistance under this section2 7#b7 a sampling of the reports submitted to the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency under subsection 7h7 and an assessment1 based on such reports1 on whether funds provided under this section for recovery from covered small disasters have been used to address impacts and needs resulting from such disasters2 and 7#c7 any evidence of criminal fraud and whether there have been any referrals for further investigation or prosecution4 7k7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered small disaster ,the term covered small disaster means a major disaster declared under section #dja or an emergency declared under section #eja with estimated damage eligible under the ,public ,assistance ,program of less than or equal to #abe percent of the ,state's per capita indicator4 7#b7 ,public ,assistance ,program ,the term ,public ,assistance ,program means the programs under sections #djc1 #djf1 #djg1 #dji1 and #ejb4 4 #ajg4 ,common sense debris removal 7a7 ,in general ,section #djg of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7 by striking 1 whenever he determines it to be in the public interest12 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,prohibition on additional requirements ,except as required under subsection 7b71 the ,president may not impose any additional requirements for authorizing the removal of debris and wreckage on publicly and privately owned lands and waters1 or for making grants for the purpose of such removal1 under this section4 4 7b7 ,guidance ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall revise any guidance or regulations as necessary to reflect the amendments made by this section4 7c7 ,best practices 7#a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that certain types of payment structures for debris removal service contracts create challenges for effective oversight1 and disincentivize effective clean-up1 and increases costs4 7#b7 ,effective contracts ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 complete a review of contracting for debris removal services2 and 7,b7 develop best practices for such contracts that ensure effective debris removal1 speed1 and appropriate accountability of costs and oversight of performance4 #ajh4 ,disaster management costs modernization 7a7 ,in general ,section #cbd of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe;b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#b7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 as clauses 7i7 and 7ii71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 and 7,b7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 as so redesignated1 by striking provide the following percentage rates and inserting provide 7,a7 excess funds for management costs as described in subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 the following percentage rates 2 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 and 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,use of excess funds for management costs 7#a7 ,definition of excess funds for management costs ,in this subsection1 the term excess funds for management costs means the difference between-- 7,a7 the amount of the applicable specific management costs authorized under subsection 7b77#a7 and subsection 7b77#b77;,b72 and 7,b7 as of the date on which the grant award is closed1 the amount of funding for management costs activities expended by the grantee or subgrantee receiving the financial assistance for costs described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,availability of excess funds for management costs ,the ,president may make available to a grantee or subgrantee receiving financial assistance under section #djc1 #djd1 #djf1 #djg1 #dji1 or #ejb any excess funds for management costs4 7#c7 ,use of funds ,excess funds for management costs made available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph 7#b7 may be used for-- 7,a7 activities associated with building capacity to prepare for1 recover from1 or mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency declared under section #dja or #eja1 respectively2 and 7,b7 management costs associated with any-- 7i7 major disaster2 7ii7 emergency2 7iii7 disaster preparedness measure2 or 7iv7 mitigation activity or measure authorized under section #bjc1 #bjd1 #bje1 or #djd4 7#d7 ,availability ,excess funds for management costs made available to a grantee or subgrantee under paragraph 7#b7 shall remain available to the grantee or subgrantee until the date that is #e years after the date on which the excess funds for management costs are made available under paragraph 7#b74 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to any grant award in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared under section #dja or #eja1 respectively1 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj1 #eaia7-- 7#a7 the declaration of which is made on or after the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7#b7 that is funded with amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,no additional funds ,no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the amendments made by subsection 7a74 #aji4 ,streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments 7a7 ,in general ,section #abbc of the ,disaster ,recovery ,reform ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bed7 is amended to read as follows3 #abbc4 ,study to streamline and consolidate information collection and preliminary damage assessments 7a7 ,information collection ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration1 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 the ,disaster ,assistance ,working ,group of the ,council of the ,inspectors ,general on ,integrity and ,efficiency1 and other appropriate agencies1 shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study and develop a plan1 consistent with law1 under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be modified1 streamlined1 expedited1 efficient1 flexible1 consolidated1 and simplified to be less burdensome1 duplicative1 and time-consuming for applicants and grantees2 and 7#b7 develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on ,federal disaster assistance awarded1 including the establishment and maintenance of a website for presenting the information to the public4 7b7 ,preliminary damage assessments ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,council of the ,inspectors ,general on ,integrity and ,efficiency1 shall convene a working group on a regular basis with the ,secretary of ,labor1 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration1 the ,secretary of ,transportation1 the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development1 and other appropriate agencies as the ,administrator considers necessary1 to-- 7#a7 identify and describe the potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations2 7#b7 determine the applicability of having one ,federal agency make the assessments for all agencies2 and 7#c7 identify potential emerging technologies1 such as unmanned aircraft systems1 consistent with the requirements established in the ,,fema ,accountability1 ,modernization and ,transparency ,act of #bjag 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba note71 to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments4 7c7 ,comprehensive report ,the ,administrator shall submit #a comprehensive report that comprises the plans developed under subsections 7a77#a7 and 7a77#b7 and a report of the findings of the working group convened under subsection 7b71 which may include recommendations1 to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate4 7d7 ,public availability ,the comprehensive report required under subsection 7c7 shall be made available to the public and posted on the website of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency-- 7#a7 in precompressed1 easily downloadable versions that are made available in all appropriate formats2 and 7#b7 in machine-readable format1 if applicable4 7e7 ,sources of information ,in preparing the comprehensive report under subsection 7c71 the ,administrator may use any publication1 database1 or web-based resource1 and any information compiled by any government agency1 nongovernmental organization1 or other entity that is made available4 7f7 ,briefing ,not later than #ahj days after submission of the comprehensive report1 the ,administrator and a member of the ,council of the ,inspectors ,general on ,integrity and ,efficiency shall brief1 upon request1 the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate on the findings and any recommendations made in the comprehensive report4 7g7 ,implementation ,not later than #ahj days after the submission of the comprehensive report under subsection 7c71 the ,administrator shall implement any recommendations contained in such report4 4 7b7 ,technical amendment ,the item relating to section #abbc in the table of contents of the ,,faa ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bed7 is amended to read as follows3 ,sec4 #abbc4 ,study to streamline and consolidate information collection and preliminary damage assessments4 4 #aaj4 ,reasonable incident periods 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall convene an advisory panel consisting of emergency management personnel to assist the ,agency in reviewing the process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods for all hazards for emergencies or major disasters declared under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq474 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,the advisory panel convened under subsection 7a7 shall consist of at least #b representatives from national emergency management organizations1 at least #b relevant county officials1 at least #a representative from the ,national ,weather ,service1 and at least #e representatives from each of the #aj regions of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency selected from emergency management personnel employed by ,state1 local1 territorial1 or ,tribal authorities within each region4 7#b7 ,inclusion on panel ,to the furthest extent practicable1 representation on the advisory panel shall include emergency management personnel from rural1 urban1 underrepresented1 ,tribal1 and insular jurisdictions and representatives of ,state or local governments with responsibility for the financial or budgetary impact of disasters4 7c7 ,considerations ,in reviewing the process and procedures related to the determination of incident periods under subsection 7a71 the advisory panel convened under such subsection shall consider the effectiveness of incident periods1 including-- 7#a7 incident periods for slow onset disasters2 7#b7 incident periods for correlated noncontiguous disasters2 7#c7 incident periods for compound disasters2 and 7#d7 incident periods for cascading disasters4 7d7 ,interim report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to ,congress1 and make publicly available1 a report regarding the findings of the review under this section that includes any recommendations of the advisory panel convened under subsection 7a71 including additional legislation that may be necessary to address such findings4 7e7 ,final report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report discussing-- 7#a7 a summary of the findings of the advisory panel convened under subsection 7a72 7#b7 the implementation of recommendations from such advisory panel2 and 7#c7 any additional legislative recommendations necessary to improve the effectiveness of incident periods4 7f7 ,rulemaking ,immediately following a #cj-;day congressional review period of the report described in subsection 7e71 the ,administrator shall begin a rulemaking to issue such regulations as are necessary to implement the recommendations of the advisory panel4 #aaa4 ,fire management assistance program policy ,section #dbj7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahg7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 7#b7 by striking local government for the mitigation and inserting the following3 local government for-- 7#a7 the mitigation 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety irrespective of the incident period for a declared fire4 4 #aab4 ,indian tribal government eligibility 7a7 ,in general ,section #dbj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by inserting 1 ,indian tribal government1 before or local government2 7#b7 by redesignating subsections 7b7 through 7e7 as subsections 7c7 through 7f71 respectively2 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following3 7b7 ,procedure for request ,the ,governor of a ,state or the ,chief ,executive of an ,indian tribal government affected by a fire described in subsection 7a7 may directly submit a request to authorize assistance under this section4 2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,savings provision ,nothing in this section shall prohibit an ,indian tribal government from receiving assistance under this section pursuant to an authorization made at the request of a ,state under subsection 7b7 if assistance is not authorized under this section for the same incident based on a request by the ,indian tribal government under subsection 7b74 4 7b7 ,regulations 7#a7 ,update ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall issue regulations updating part #bjd of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to carry out the amendments made by subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,contents ,in issuing the regulations required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,president shall-- 7,a7 authorize the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to directly receive a request for a fire management assistance declaration from an ,indian ,tribal ,government and directly provide related grants and resources to ,indian ,tribal ,governments2 7,b7 clarify that ,indian ,tribal ,governments for which the ,president does not grant a request described in subparagraph 7,a7 remain eligible to receive assistance under section #dbj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahg7 through assistance granted under a fire management assistance declaration made at the request of a ,state2 7,c7 consider the unique conditions that affect the general welfare of ,indian ,tribal governments2 and 7,d7 enter into government-to-government consultation with ,indian ,tribal ,governments regarding the regulations4 7#c7 ,fire management assistance declaration defined ,in this subsection1 the term fire management assistance declaration means a declaration approved under section #bjd4ba7;a7 of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 #aac4 ,strengthening closeouts for critical services ,section #gje of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ebje7 is amended-- 7#a7 by inserting or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility after ,state or local government each place it appears2 7#b7 by inserting or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility after ,federal1 ,state1 or local government each place it appears2 and 7#c7 by inserting or owners or operators of private nonprofit facilities after ,state1 local1 or ,indian tribal governments4 #aad4 ,sheltering of emergency response personnel ,section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,sheltering of emergency response personnel 7#a7 ,in general ,for any major disaster for which the ,president has authorized emergency protective measures for an area within the jurisdiction of a ,state1 ,indian tribal1 or local government1 the ,administrator may reimburse the ,state1 ,indian tribal1 or local government for costs relating to sheltering emergency response personnel1 including individuals that are a part of the same predisaster household as such personnel1 in exclusive-use congregate or noncongregate settings if the ,governor of the ,state or chief executive of the ,indian tribal or local government determines that the damage or disruption to such area is of such a magnitude as to disrupt the provision of emergency protective measures within such area4 7#b7 ,limitation of assistance 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may only reimburse a ,state1 ,indian tribal1 or local government for the costs of sheltering emergency response personnel under paragraph 7#a7 for such a period of time as the ,administrator determines reasonable based in the individual characteristics of and impacts to the affected area1 including the extent of damage1 the availability of alternative housing options1 the availability of utilities1 and disruptions to transportation infrastructure4 7,b7 ,maximum duration of reimbursement ,the period of reimbursement under subparagraph 7,a7 may not exceed the #f-month period beginning on the date on which the incident period ends4 7#c7 ,definition of emergency response personnel ,in this subsection1 the term emergency response personnel means-- 7,a7 employees or contracted employees providing law enforcement1 fire suppression1 rescue1 emergency medical1 emergency management1 or emergency communications services2 and 7,b7 elected officials1 except ,members of ,congress1 responsible for the overseeing or directing emergency response operations or recovery activities4 4 #aae4 ,emergency protective measures to fight flooding damage ,section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,further emergency protective measures 7#a7 ,in general ,in cases in which an owner or operator of a stormwater pumping station engages in flood fighting activities during emergency protective measures or emergency work authorized by this section1 the ,president shall reimburse such owner or operator in accordance with applicable equipment rates regardless of whether or not such pumping stations contain temporary or permanently mounted or affixed equipment4 7#b7 ,flood fighting activities defined ,in this subsection1 the term flood fighting activities includes dewatering behind a levee by breaching or pumping4 4 #aaf4 ,fairness and accountability in appeals ,section #dbc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahi;a7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,attorney's fees ,in cases in which the ,board decides in favor of the applicant or otherwise concludes there is an error on the part of the ,administrator in denial of assistance1 the ,administrator shall reimburse the applicant for attorney's fees4 4 #aag4 ,expedited funding for emergency work ,section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 is amending by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,disbursement ,reimbursements provided under this section shall be disbursed to the applicant not later than #abj days after the applicant submits a request for reimbursement if the ,president determines at least #ij percent of estimated costs are eligible for such reimbursement4 4 #aah4 ,consistency in procurement practices ,for the purposes of applying the procurement standards under part #bjj of title #b1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations to assistance provided under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq471 local governments shall be treated as a ,state or ,tribal government under section #bjj4cag of title #b1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 ,,ii ,individual ,assistance ,reforms #bja4 ,information sharing for ,federal agencies 7a7 ,establishment of unified disaster application system 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall establish and maintain a web-based interagency electronic information sharing system1 to be known as the unified disaster application system1 to-- 7,a7 facilitate the administration of the universal application for direct ,federal disaster assistance established under section #bjb2 7,b7 carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly1 efficiently1 and in accordance with applicable laws1 regulations1 and the privacy and data protections provided under this section2 and 7,c7 support the detection1 prevention1 and investigation of waste1 fraud1 abuse1 or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs4 7#b7 ,authorities of ,administrator ,in establishing and maintaining the unified disaster application system under this subsection1 the ,administrator may collect and maintain disaster assistance information received from a disaster assistance agency1 a block grant recipient1 or an applicant for a disaster assistance program and share such information with any other disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient using such system4 7#c7 ,requirements ,the ,administrator shall ensure that the unified disaster application system established and maintained under this subsection-- 7,a7 allows an applicant to receive status updates on an application for disaster assistance programs submitted though such system2 7,b7 allows for applicants to update disaster assistance information throughout the recovery journeys of such applicants in accordance with established application timeframes2 7,c7 allows for the distribution to applicants of information about additional recovery resources that may be available in a disaster stricken area2 7,d7 provides an applicant with information and documentation relating to an application for a disaster assistance program submitted by such applicant2 and 7,e7 contains any other capabilities determined necessary by the head of a disaster assistance agency4 7b7 ,data security ,the ,administrator may facilitate the collection of disaster assistance information into the unified disaster application system established under subsection 7a7 only after the following requirements have been met3 7#a7 ,the ,administrator certifies that the unified disaster application system substantially complies with the data security standards and best practices established pursuant to subchapter ,,ii of chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code1 and any other applicable ,federal information security policy4 7#b7 ,the ,administrator publishes a privacy impact assessment for the unified disaster application system1 in accordance with section #bjh7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,e-,government ,act of #bjjb 7#dd ,u4,s4,c4 #ceja note74 7#c7 ,the ,administrator1 after consulting with disaster assistance agencies1 publishes standard rules of behavior for disaster assistance agencies1 block grant recipients1 and personnel granted access to disaster assistance information to protect such information from improper disclosure4 7c7 ,collection and sharing of additional records and information 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may authorize the additional collection1 maintenance1 sharing1 and use of disaster assistance information by publishing a notice on the unified disaster application system established under subsection 7a7 that includes a detailed description of-- 7,a7 the specific amendments to the collection1 maintenance1 and sharing of disaster assistance information authorized2 7,b7 why each such amendment to how disaster assistance information is collected1 maintained1 or shared is necessary to carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program and consistent with the fair information practice principles2 and 7,c7 the disaster assistance agencies and block grant recipients that will be granted access to the additional information to carry out the purposes of any disaster assistance program4 7#b7 ,notice and publication requirements ,the publication of a notice under paragraph 7#a7 of a revision to the unified disaster application system of records prior to any new collection1 or uses1 of ,privacy ,act categories of records1 to carry out the purposes of a disaster assistance program with regard to a disaster declared by the ,president under section #dja or #eja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj2 #eaia71 shall be deemed to satisfy the notice and publication requirements of section #eeb;a7e77#d7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for the entire period of performance for any assistance provided under a disaster assistance program4 7#c7 ,waiver of information collection requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,upon the declaration of a major disaster or emergency pursuant to sections #dja or #eja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj2 #eaia7 by the ,president1 the ,administrator may waive the requirements of subchapter ,i of chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code1 with respect to voluntary collection of information for the entire period of performance for any assistance provided under a disaster assistance program4 7,b7 ,transparency ,upon exercising the waiver authority under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 promptly post on a website of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency a brief justification for such waiver1 the anticipated period of time such waiver will be in effect1 and the disaster assistance offices within the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to which such waiver shall apply2 and 7ii7 update the information relating to such waiver1 as applicable4 7#d7 ,,gao review of waiver of information collection requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall issue a report describing the benefits and potential risks associated with authorizing the waiver of the information collection requirements described in paragraph 7#c74 7,b7 ,contents ,the report required under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include an assessment of the extent to which a waiver described in paragraph 7#c7 would-- 7i7 affect the paperwork burden for individuals1 small businesses1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 and other persons2 7ii7 affect the consistent application of ,federal laws relating to-- 7,i7 privacy and confidentiality2 7,,ii7 security of information2 and 7,,iii7 access to information2 and 7iii7 encourage or deter a ,state or other entity from participating in the voluntary collection of information for the duration of a major disaster or emergency4 7d7 ,use by other ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may permit a ,federal agency other than a disaster assistance agency listed in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of subsection 7f77#c7 to use the unified disaster application system established under subsection 7a7 for the purpose of facilitating disaster-related assistance if such agency enters into an agreement containing the terms described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,agency agreement ,an agreement entered into under paragraph 7#a7 shall contain the following terms3 7,a7 ,the ,federal agency shall-- 7i7 collect1 share1 maintain1 and use disaster assistance information in compliance with this section and any policies of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency and any information protection and use policies of such ,federal agency2 and 7ii7 train any personnel granted access to disaster assistance information on the rules of behavior established by the ,administrator under subsection 7b77#c74 7,b7 ,in the event of any unauthorized disclosure of disaster assistance information1 the ,federal agency shall-- 7i7 notify the ,administrator within #bd hours of discovering any such unauthorized disclosure2 7ii7 cooperate fully with the ,administrator in the investigation and remediation of any such disclosure2 7iii7 cooperate fully in the prosecution of a person responsible for such disclosure2 and 7iv7 assume the responsibility for any compensation1 civil liability1 or other remediation measures1 whether awarded by a judgment of a court or agreed as a compromise of any potential claims by or on behalf of an applicant1 including by obtaining credit monitoring and remediation services1 for an improper disclosure that is-- 7,i7 caused1 directly or indirectly1 by the acts or omissions of officers1 employees1 and contractors of the agency2 or 7,,ii7 from any electronic system of records that is created or maintained by the agency pursuant to section #eeb;a7e7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,publication of agency agreement ,the ,administrator shall publish an agency agreement entered into under this subsection on the same website as the unified disaster application system established under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,rule of construction ,the sharing and use of disaster assistance information that is subject to the requirements of section #eeb;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 by disaster assistance agencies and block grant recipients-- 7#a7 shall not be-- 7,a7 construed as a matching program for purposes of section #eeb;a7a77#h7 of such title2 or 7,b7 subject to the remaining computer matching provisions of section #eeb;a of such title2 and 7#b7 shall be in addition to any other law providing for the sharing or use of such information4 7f7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,applicant ,the term applicant means-- 7,a7 a person who applies for disaster assistance from a disaster assistance program2 and 7,b7 a person on whose behalf a person described in subparagraph 7,a7 has applied for disaster assistance4 7#b7 ,block grant recipient ,the term block grant recipient means a ,state1 local government1 or ,tribal government that receives assistance through the disaster assistance program described in paragraph 7#e77;,b77i74 7#c7 ,disaster assistance agency ,the term disaster assistance agency means-- 7,a7 the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,b7 the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7,c7 the ,small ,business ,administration2 7,d7 the ,department of ,agriculture2 and 7,e7 any other ,federal agency that the ,administrator permits to use the unified disaster application system under subsection 7d74 7#d7 ,disaster assistance information ,the term disaster assistance information includes any personal1 demographic1 biographical1 geographical1 financial information1 or other information that a disaster assistance agency or block grant recipient is authorized to collect1 maintain1 share1 or use to process an application for disaster assistance or otherwise carry out a disaster assistance program4 7#e7 ,disaster assistance program ,the term disaster assistance program means-- 7,a7 any program that provides assistance to individuals and households under title ,,iv or title ,v of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj et seq472 or 7,b7 any other assistance program carried out by a disaster assistance agency that provides assistance to an individual1 household1 or organization related to a major disaster or emergency declared under section #dja or #eja of such ,act1 including-- 7i7 assistance for activities related to disaster relief1 long-term recovery1 restoration of infrastructure and housing1 economic revitalization1 and mitigation that are authorized under title ,i of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecja et seq472 7ii7 any loan that is authorized under section #g7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcf7;b772 and 7iii7 the distribution of food benefit allotments as authorized under section #dab of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagi7 and section #e7;h7 of the ,food ,stamp ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjad7;h774 #bjb4 ,universal application for individual assistance 7a7 ,universal application ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall develop and establish a universal application for direct ,federal disaster assistance for individuals in areas impacted by emergencies or disasters4 7b7 ,consultation and support 7#a7 ,consultation ,in carrying out this section1 the ,administrator shall consult with the following3 7,a7 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget4 7,b7 ,the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration4 7,c7 ,the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7,d7 ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#b7 ,support ,the entities described in paragraph 7#a7 shall provide prompt support to the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7c7 ,survey ,the application established under subsection 7a7 shall include a voluntary survey to collect the demographic data of an applicant4 #bjc4 ,clarifying duplication of benefits 7a7 ,authority ,paragraph 7#d7 of section #cab7;b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaee7;b77#d771 as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the ,,faa ,reauthorization ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bed7-- 7#a7 is restored and revived2 and 7#b7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,prohibition on income threshold ,in carrying out this paragraph1 no income threshold may be applied to limit the eligibility of a recipient from qualifying for a waiver under this paragraph4 7,e7 ,applicability ,this paragraph shall apply to any major disaster or emergency declared by the ,president under section #dja or #eja1 respectively1 on or after ,january #a1 #bjaf4 4 7b7 ,statutory construction ,section #cab7;b77#d7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaee7;b77#d771 as restored and revived by subsection 7a71 shall not be construed to apply to section #djf1 #djh1 or #dji of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagb1 #eagd74 7c7 ,further amendment ,section #cab7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaee7;a77 is amended by striking or any other source4 #bjd4 ,crisis counseling and addiction in disasters 7a7 ,crisis counseling assistance and training ,section #daf of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by inserting 1 substance use1 or alcohol use after private mental health2 and 7,b7 by inserting 1 substance use1 and alcohol use after relieve mental health2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7 by inserting 1 substance use1 or alcohol use before organization providing4 7b7 ,report on changes to application ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 in consultation with the ,assistant ,secretary for ,mental ,health and ,substance ,use1 the ,director for the ,center for ,substance ,abuse ,treatment1 and ,state alcohol and drug agencies1 shall review1 adjust1 and report to ,congress any changes made to the application for assistance under section #daf of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahc7 and to any other relevant guidance documents to reflect the amendments made by this section4 7c7 ,,gao report to ,congress ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a review of the assistance provided under the crisis counseling assistance and training program established pursuant to section #daf of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahc7 and submit to ,congress a report describing-- 7#a7 the duration of assistance provided to individuals under such program2 and 7#b7 the compliance of the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency with the requirement that such assistance may only be used for mental health1 substance use1 and alcohol use problems caused or aggravated by a major disaster or its aftermath4 7d7 ,management costs ,section #cbd7;b77#b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe;b7b77#b77 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,individual assistance ,a grantee under section #djh7;f7 may be reimbursed not more than #ab percent of the total award amount under each such section4 7,d7 ,crisis counseling assistance1 training1 and case management services ,a grantee and subgrantee1 cumulatively1 may be reimbursed not more than #ae percent of the total amount of the grant award under either section #daf or #dbf4 4 7e7 ,administrative costs ,section #djh7;f77#a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7,a7 ,grant to ,state4-- and all that follows through subsection 7g71 and inserting ,subject to subsection 7g72 and 7#b7 by striking subparagraph 7,b74 #bje4 ,repair and rebuilding 7a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;b77#a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;b77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking rendered uninhabitable and inserting damaged by a major disaster2 and 7#b7 by striking uninhabitable1 as a result of damage caused by a major disaster and inserting damaged by a major disaster4 7b7 ,hazard mitigation ,section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,hazard mitigation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,president may provide financial assistance to individuals and households whose primary residence1 utilities1 or residential infrastructure are damaged by a major disaster1 for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce threats to life and property1 or future damage to such residence1 utilities1 or infrastructure in future disasters4 7,b7 ,relationship to other assistance ,a recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph shall not be required to show that the assistance can be met through other means1 except insurance proceeds4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7h7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by inserting 1 financial assistance for hazard mitigation under subsection 7c77#e77;,a71 after subsection 7c77#a77;,a77i72 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c72 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,hazard mitigation ,the maximum financial assistance any individual or household may receive under subsection 7c77#e7 shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a single major disaster4 4 #bjf4 ,,fema emergency home repair program 7a7 ,in general ,section #djc7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,i7 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,j7 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,k7 minor repairs up to habitability of owner-occupied homes damaged by the disaster in order for survivors to safely shelter in place1 subject to the availability of appropriations4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,sheltering and housing options ,not later than #ae days after a declaration of a major disaster1 the ,federal coordinating officer shall identify all sheltering and housing options available under this section or section #djh to a ,state ,governor1 or the designated ,state coordinating officer4 7#f7 ,definition of minor repairs up to habitability ,in this subsection1 the term minor repairs up to habitability means the minimum standards for permanent housing described in section #egf4djc7;c7 of title #bd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations74 4 7b7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall issue final regulations to implement the amendments made by this section4 #bjg4 ,direct assistance 7a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;c7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;c77 is further amended by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,repairs 7,a7 ,financial assistance for repairs ,the ,president may provide financial assistance for the repair of owner-occupied private residences1 utilities1 and residential infrastructure 7such as a private access route7 damaged by a major disaster1 or with respect to individuals with disabilities1 rendered inaccessible by a major disaster4 7,b7 ,direct assistance for repairs 7i7 ,in general ,the ,president may provide direct assistance to individuals and households who are unable to make use of financial assistance under subparagraph 7,a7 and when there is a lack of available resources1 for-- 7,i7 the repair of owner-occupied private residences1 utilities1 and residential infrastructure 7such as a private access route7 damaged by a major disaster1 or with respect to individuals with disabilities1 rendered inaccessible by a disaster2 and 7,,ii7 eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the likelihood and future damage to such residences1 utilities1 and infrastructure4 7ii7 ,eligibility ,a recipient of assistance under this subparagraph shall not be eligible for assistance under paragraph 7#a71 unless otherwise determined by the ,administrator4 7,c7 ,relationship to other assistance ,a recipient of assistance provided under this paragraph shall not be required to show that the assistance can be met through other means1 except insurance proceeds4 4 7b7 ,state role ,section #djh7;f7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;f77 is further amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsections 7c77#a77;,b71 7c77#d71 and 7e7 each place it appears and inserting paragraphs 7#a77;,b71 7#b77;,b71 and 7#d7 of subsection 7c7 and subsection 7e72 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c77;,a7 by striking subsection 7c77#a77;,b71 7c77#d71 or 7e7 and inserting paragraph 7#a77;,b71 7#b77;,b71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7c7 or subsection 7e74 #bjh4 ,accurate information to disaster victims ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall issue such regulations as are necessary to ensure that an applicant for assistance under section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 that has indicated ownership of an insurance policy for a home or facility damaged by a major disaster declared under section #dja of such ,act that is owned by such applicant does not receive a notice that indicates a denial of assistance before a final determination has been made regarding the approval or denial of a claim under such policy4 #bji4 ,improved notices for ,,fema assistance 7a7 ,period of assistance ,clauses 7iii7 and 7iv7 of section #djh7;c77#a77;,b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;c77#a77;,b77 are amended by striking #ah-month period and inserting #bd-month period4 7b7 ,appeals ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall revise section #bjf4aae of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to require the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to provide to any applicant who appeals a determination of eligibility of assistance-- 7#a7 any documentation used to make such determination1 including any inspection documents that exist2 7#b7 a description of-- 7,a7 the reasons for such determination2 and 7,b7 recommended steps that could be taken to remedy a determination of ineligibility1 including1 as applicable1 a list of additional documentation that the applicant may provide2 and 7#c7 any inspection documents that exist not later than #aj days after the completion of the inspection4 7c7 ,applicability ,this section and the amendment made by this section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #baj4 ,common sense displacement assistance for disaster victims ,section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7k7 ,duplication of benefits 7#a7 ,in general ,in determining eligibility for displacement assistance under this section1 the ,president may not consider insurance a duplication of benefits for the purpose of applying section #cab of this ,act4 7#b7 ,displacement assistance defined ,in this section1 the term displacement assistance means assistance provided under this section for food1 water1 first aid1 personal hygiene items1 baby formula1 breast-feeding supplies1 fuel for transportation1 emergency supplies and to stay in a hotel or motel1 stay with family and friends1 or for any other available housing options4 4 #baa4 ,state-managed housing authority 7a7 ,in general ,section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7f77#c7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking ,a ,state and inserting the following3 7i7 ,in general ,a ,state 2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7ii7 ,transparency ,the ,president shall make public the criteria used to evaluate applications under clause 7i7 and determine if a ,state or ,indian tribal government meets the criteria described in subparagraph 7,b7 to administer grants described in paragraph 7#a77;,a74 2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c77ii7-- 7i7 in subclause 7,i7 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7ii7 in subclause 7,,ii7 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,iii7 outline the approach of the ,state to help disaster survivors create a permanent housing plan2 and 7,,iv7 outline the approach of the ,state to provide individual disaster survivors some choice of communities and properties1 as practicable4 2 7,c7 by striking subparagraph 7,f72 7,d7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,g71 7,h71 7,i71 and 7,j7 as subparagraphs 7,f71 7,g71 7,h71 and 7,i71 respectively2 and 7,e7 in subparagraph 7,i71 as so redesignated-- 7i7 in clause 7ii7 by striking ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the and inserting ,the2 and 7ii7 in clause 7iii7 by striking #b years and inserting #aj years2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7g7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,disaster assistance ,in the case of assistance provided under subsections 7c77#a77;,b71 7c77#b77;,b71 and 7c77#d71 the ,federal share shall be not less than #ge percent4 4 7b7 ,,gao assessment ,upon the expiration of the authority to carry out section #djh7;f7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;f77 as a pilot program1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall issue a report on the effectiveness1 successes1 and challenges of any pilot program carried out pursuant to such section and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of assistance under such section4 #bab4 ,improved rental assistance ,section #djh7;c77#a77;,a77ii7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;c77#a77;,a77ii77 is amended by inserting 1 including local postdisaster rent increases1 after accommodation provided4 #bac4 ,online guides for postdisaster assistance 7a7 ,use of services of other agencies ,section #bja7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaca7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#g7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 postdisaster assistance4 4 7b7 ,grants for online guides for assistance ,section #bja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaca7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,funding for online guides for assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency may provide funding to a ,state agency established under subsection 7c7 to establish1 update1 or operate a website to provide information relating to postdisaster recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency4 7#b7 ,management ,a website created under this subsection shall be-- 7,a7 managed by the ,state agency2 and 7,b7 suitable for the residents of the ,state of the ,state agency4 7#c7 ,content ,the ,administrator may provide funding to a ,state agency under this subsection to establish a website that contains only #a or more of the following3 7,a7 ,a list of ,federal1 ,state1 and local sources of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to a community after a major disaster or emergency4 7,b7 ,a list of ,federal1 ,state1 and local sources of postdisaster recovery funding or assistance that may be available to an individual impacted by a major disaster or emergency4 7,c7 ,a technical guide that lists and explains the costs and benefits of alternatives available to a community to mitigate the impacts of a major disaster or emergency and prepare for sequential hazards such as flooding after a wildfire4 7#d7 ,cooperation ,a ,state agency that receives funding under this subsection shall cooperate with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration1 and the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency in developing a website under this subsection4 7#e7 ,updates ,a ,state agency that receives funding to establish a website under this subsection shall update the website not less than once every #f months4 4 #bad4 ,clarifying sheltering assistance eligibility 7a7 ,section #djc ,section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,clarification of sheltering assistance eligibility ,the ,administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed1 physical address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households applying for non-congregate sheltering assistance under this section1 as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can demonstrate1 through alternative means as determined by the ,administrator1 that such individual or household was residing within the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which assistance is being applied for through means1 including shelter records or an affidavit4 4 7b7 ,section #djh ,section #djh7;c77#a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,clarification of sheltering assistance eligibility ,the ,administrator shall not consider the absence of a fixed1 physical address as a disqualifying factor for individuals or households applying for assistance under this section1 as long as the individual or household applying for such assistance can demonstrate1 through alternative means as determined by the ,administrator1 that such individual or household was residing within the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster for which assistance is being applied for through means1 including shelter records or an affidavit4 4 #bae4 ,access to lifesaving non-congregate sheltering ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall ensure individuals and households that qualify for non-congregate sheltering assistance under section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 are not required to provide a credit card or security deposit to access such sheltering assistance4 #baf4 ,assistance for total loss ,section #djh7;c77#c7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7;c77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,b7 as subparagraph 7,c72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 ,total loss 7i7 ,in general ,in the case of a total loss of an owner occupied residence1 subject to section #cab1 and notwithstanding subsection 7h7 of such section1 if the cost of direct assistance under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 exceeds the cost of replacement of such residence1 the ,president may offer financial assistance for replacement of such residence4 7ii7 ,report to ,congress ,in any case in which the ,president is authorized under clause 7i7 to provide financial assistance for replacement but does not offer such assistance1 the ,president shall provide to ,congress a report explaining the rationale for the decision not to provide such assistance4 4 ,,iii ,mitigation ,reforms #cja4 ,preapproved project mitigation plans ,section #cbb of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,preapproved project mitigation plans 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to carry out projects pursuant to the requirements of this subsection1 a ,state or ,indian tribal government shall1 in consultation with appropriately licensed professionals 7as such term is defined in section #dji7;b77#e771 develop and submit to the ,president a preapproved project mitigation plan4 7#b7 ,submission requirement ,if a ,state or ,indian tribal government does not submit a plan under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #c years after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 the ,state or ,indian tribal government shall not be eligible for an increased ,federal share under subsection 7c77#c7 of section #dji for any assistance provided under such section4 7#c7 ,contents ,a preapproved mitigation plan described in paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a list of projects designed to mitigate damage caused by natural disasters that may occur in such ,state or the jurisdiction of the ,indian tribal government1 as applicable2 7,b7 with respect to a ,state-- 7i7 not fewer than #a project for each county or county equivalent in the ,state2 or 7ii7 a written description explaining why a county or county equivalent does not have a proposed project under the plan2 7,c7 a detailed description of each project and the benefits of such project2 and 7,d7 an estimated cost for each project4 7#d7 ,eligible projects ,a project is eligible to be included in a preapproved project mitigation plan described in paragraph 7#a7 if such project is eligible for assistance under section #bjc1 #bje1 or #djd4 7#e7 ,peer review of grant applications 7,a7 ,establishment ,the ,president shall establish a peer review process for a nonpartisan panel of at least #cj individuals with expertise related to emergency management1 natural hazard mitigation for a wide variety of hazards1 including flooding1 tornadoes1 wildfire1 and earthquakes1 or insurance underwriting to conduct peer reviews of-- 7i7 the projects contained in plans submitted under this subsection2 and 7ii7 previously denied projects resubmitted for approval and inclusion in a preapproved project mitigation plan4 7,b7 ,peer review panel requirements 7i7 ,term of service ,the term of service for a member of the panel shall be #a year4 7ii7 ,limitation on service ,an individual may not serve consecutive terms on the panel4 7iii7 ,solicitation ,qualified individuals shall elect to serve on the panel following a solicitation by the ,president for prospective panel members4 7,c7 ,duties ,in establishing the peer review process under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,president shall require that the peer review panel-- 7i7 determine whether each project listed in a plan submitted by a ,state or ,indian tribal government under paragraph 7#a7 is cost-effective and designed to reduce injuries1 loss of life1 and damage and destruction of property1 including damage to critical services and facilities under the jurisdiction of the ,state and or ,indian tribal government2 and 7ii7 recommend to the ,president approval or denial of each such project not later than #c months after the submission of such plan4 7,d7 ,applicability of chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code ,chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to activities carried out under this paragraph4 7#f7 ,determination of plan approval 7,a7 ,initial determination ,not later than #a month after receiving the recommendations under subparagraph 7,b77ii71 the ,president shall-- 7i7 approve or deny each project in the plan submitted by a ,state or ,indian tribal government2 7ii7 for any plan that contains a project that is approved1 approve preapproved project mitigation plan as containing only the projects approved under clause 7i72 and 7iii7 for any plan that contains a project that is denied1 notify the applicable ,state or ,indian tribal government1 including information on the reasons for such a denial and any information necessary for the ,state or ,indian tribal government to update such project for resubmission4 7,b7 ,considerations for approval ,in approving a project under this subparagraph 7,a77i71 the ,president shall consider the following3 7i7 ,the findings and recommendations of the peer reviews carried out under paragraph 7#c74 7ii7 ,the degree to which the projects contained in the plan reduce deaths1 injuries1 and property damage by reducing the risks associated with natural disasters4 7iii7 ,the extent of the need of the entity to carry out the projects contained in the plan and the potential of such projects to mitigate hazards to the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,president may provide technical assistance to a ,state or ,indian tribal government with respect to which a project was denied under subparagraph 7,a77i7 to assist such ,state or ,indian tribal government to resubmit the project for approval under this subsection4 7,d7 ,default approval ,if the ,president does not make a determination or provide notification under this paragraph1 as applicable1 with respect to a plan submitted under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #a month after the peer-review panel submits recommendations under paragraph 7#c77;,b77ii71 such plan shall-- 7i7 be deemed to be approved under this subsection2 and 7ii7 consist of only the projects recommended for approval by the peer review panel under paragraph 7#c77;,b77ii74 7,e7 ,resubmittal of denied project ,in any case in which a project in a preapproved project mitigation plan is not approved1 the ,state or ,indian tribal government may redevelop and resubmit such project for approval at any time4 7#g7 ,effect of plan approval ,a project contained in a plan approved under this subsection shall be considered approved under section #bjc1 #bje1 or #djd1 as applicable1 and shall not be subject to any additional approval requirements1 procedures1 or reviews under any such section4 ,the ,president shall accept revised cost estimates for projects listed in the preapproved project mitigation plan so long as the revised cost is necessary to complete the project as described in such plan1 as determined by the ,president4 7#h7 ,additions of projects to the plan ,a ,state or ,indian tribal government that has a plan approved under this subsection may submit an updated plan #b years after the date on which such plan is approved1 and every #b years thereafter1 that contains additional proposed projects4 ,the ,president shall ensure that each additional project contained in such updated plan be subject to the approval project1 including the peer-review process1 under this subsection4 7#i7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the discretion of a ,state or an ,indian tribal government to prioritize or advance projects included in a mitigation approved by the ,president4 4 #cjb4 ,reducing disaster costs and protecting lives 7a7 ,in general ,section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c7 by striking or local government each place it appears2 7#b7 by striking subsection 7d7 and inserting the following3 7d7 ,local government distribution 7#a7 ,suballocations ,each ,state that receives assistance under this section shall distribute not less than #ej percent of the funds allocated under subsection 7f7 to local governments carrying out mitigation projects under this section4 7#b7 ,distribution and reporting ,not later than #fj days after receiving assistance under this section1 the ,state shall distribute the suballocations pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 or1 in cases in which the assistance would be used for a project that is not contained in a preapproved project mitigation plan under section #cbb7;f71 the ,state shall provide the ,president with details on the mitigation measures for which such funds will be used by the local government4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7e77#a77;,b7-- 7,a7 in clause 7iii7 by striking or at the end2 7,b7 in clause 7iv7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7v7 to develop preapproved project mitigation plans pursuant to section #cbb7;f74 2 7#d7 in subsection 7f7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by striking on a competitive basis for mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in accordance with the criteria in subsection 7g7 and inserting to ,states and ,indian tribal governments through the allocation under paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#d7 for mitigation activities that are cost-effective and in accordance with subsection 7g72 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,allocation ,in providing financial assistance under this section1 the ,president shall allocate available funds for a fiscal year among eligible ,states by formula as follows3 7,a7 #dj percent of available funds shall be distributed equally among each eligible ,state4 7,b7 #bj percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible ,state based on a sliding scale that provides the highest share of such funds to ,states that have the most vulnerability to natural hazards in the critical infrastructure of such ,states4 7,c7 #bj percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible ,state based on a sliding scale that provides a higher share to ,states that have a higher population and a lower median income1 using data from the most recent decennial census4 7,d7 #bj percent of available funds shall be distributed among each eligible ,state based on a sliding scale that provides the highest share to ,states with the highest amount of approved projects located in communities that meet the definition of an economically distressed community under section #cja4c7;a7 of title #ac1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or a rural area under section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a774 2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#c77;,b7 by striking on a competitive basis2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,tribes ,under this section1 the ,president shall ensure that the amount of financial assistance made available to ,indian tribal governments for a fiscal year is not less than #ge1jjj1jjj4 2 7#e7 in subsection 7g7-- 7,a7 by striking ,in determining whether to provide technical and financial assistance to a ,state or local government under this section1 and inserting ,in determining eligibility for technical and financial assistance under this section12 and 7,b7 by striking 1 and take into account-- and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting a period2 7#f7 in subsection 7h77#a71 by striking mitigation activities approved by the ,president and inserting a mitigation activity funded under this section2 7#g7 in subsection 7i7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7 by inserting #dji1 after #djh12 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7 by inserting #dji1 after #djh12 and 7#h7 by adding at the end the following3 7n7 ,project administration ,a ,state or local government under this section may provide funding for projects-- 7#a7 executed through a partnership established between #b or more eligible entities to carry out a project or similar projects2 7#b7 undertaken by a private nonprofit facility2 7#c7 undertaken as part of a public-private partnership2 or 7#d7 executed through a combination of other ,federal mitigation programs1 including the ,federal mitigation program under section #djd4 4 7b7 ,implementation ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall issue policy and guidance to implement the amendments made by this section4 ,any existing regulations1 policies1 or guidance that are no longer applicable as a result of the amendments contained in this section or that conflict with the letter or intent of such amendments are deemed rescinded4 #cjc4 ,resilient buildings and communities 7a7 ,predisaster hazard mitigation ,section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc7 is further amended by inserting after subsection 7l7 the following3 7m7 ,latest published editions defined ,for purposes of subsections 7e77#a77;,b77iv7 and 7g77#aj71 the term latest published editions means1 with respect to relevant consensus-based codes1 specifications1 and standards1 the #b most recently published editions4 4 7b7 ,hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program ,section #bje7;f77#e7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eace7;f77#e77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,establishing and insert ,implementing2 7#b7 by striking establish and insert implement2 7#c7 by inserting #b after latest2 and 7#d7 by inserting 1 including any amendments made by ,state1 local1 ,tribal1 or territorial governments to such codes1 specifications1 and standards1 after standards4 7c7 ,residential retrofit and resilience pilot program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall carry out a residential resilience pilot program through the program established under section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc7 to make available assistance to ,states and local governments for the purpose of providing grants to individuals for residential resilience retrofits4 7#b7 ,amount of funds ,the ,administrator may use not more than #aj percent across allocations of the assistance made available to applicants on an annual basis under section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc7 to provide assistance under this subsection4 7#c7 ,timeline ,the ,administrator shall establish the pilot program under this subsection not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and the program shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjbh4 7#d7 ,priority ,in carrying out the pilot program under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall ensure that a ,state or local government receiving assistance under the program provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need4 7#e7 ,report ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report that includes-- 7,a7 a summary of the grant awards and projects carried out under this subsection2 7,b7 a detailed compilation of results achieved by the grant awards and projects carried out under this subsection1 including the number of homes receiving retrofits1 the types and average costs of retrofits1 demographic information for participants in the program1 and estimate avoidance in disaster impacts and ,federal disaster payments as a result of the grant investments2 and 7,c7 any identified implementation challenges and recommendations for improvements to the pilot program4 7#f7 ,applicability ,this subsection shall only apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#g7 ,residential resilient retrofits defined 7,a7 ,in general ,in this subsection1 the term residential resilient retrofits means a project that-- 7i7 is designed to increase the resilience of an existing home or residence using mitigation measures which the ,administrator determines reduce damage and impacts from natural disaster hazards and risks that are most likely to occur in the area where the home is located2 and 7ii7 to the extent applicable1 are consistent with the #b most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes1 specifications1 and standards1 including any amendments made by ,state1 local1 tribal1 or territorial governments to such codes1 specifications1 and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design1 construction1 and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 for the purpose of protecting the health1 safety1 and general welfare of the buildings' users against disasters4 7,b7 ,inclusion ,in this subsection1 the term residential resilient retrofits includes-- 7i7 elevations of homes and elevations of utilities within and around structures to mitigate damages2 7ii7 floodproofing measures2 7iii7 the construction of tornado-safe rooms2 7iv7 seismic retrofits2 7v7 wildfire retrofit and mitigation measures2 7vi7 wind retrofits1 including roof replacements1 hurricane straps1 and tie-downs2 and 7vii7 any other measures that meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a71 as determined by the ,administrator4 #cjd4 ,strengthening hazard risk reduction 7a7 ,improved hazard mitigation delivery 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djd7;c77#b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;c7c77#b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,the ,president and all that follows through as a pilot program42 and 7,b7 by striking ,the criteria shall inserting ,the ,president shall establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted under paragraph 7#a7 that4 7#b7 ,project consolidation ,section #djd of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;c7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,mitigation project consolidations 7#a7 ,eligible activities ,notwithstanding section #cab and any regulations implementing such section1 assistance provided under this section for a mitigation project may be used in combination with-- 7,a7 assistance provided under section #bjc2 and 7,b7 any other ,federal assistance provided for such project4 7#b7 ,federal and non-,federal share ,for purposes of the ,federal share requirements of a mitigation project under this section-- 7,a7 any ,federal assistance provided under section #bjc for such project shall be applied toward the ,federal share required under this section2 and 7,b7 any non-,federal funds for such mitigation project that are specified to meet the ,federal share requirements of section #bjc may be used to meet the non-,federal share requirements under this section4 7#c7 ,total ,federal share ,federal assistance provided for a mitigation project under this section and section #bjc may not exceed the total ,federal share for such project4 7#d7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall-- 7,a7 affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard mitigation measure under this section2 7,b7 affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard mitigation measure under this section or section #bjc2 or 7,c7 affect the cost share requirements of a federally authorized hazard mitigation project4 4 7b7 ,prepayment relief for hazard mitigation ,section #djd7;e7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;c7e77 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 ,advance assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,president may provide the total ,federal share of the estimated cost of hazard mitigation measures to a ,state grantee eligible for a grant under this section before eligible costs are incurred4 7#b7 ,home retrofits ,the ,administrator shall offer to advance assistance to applicants from such ,federal share for purposes of home retrofits to improve resilience1 including home elevations1 totaling the total amount of the estimated ,federal share of such project before eligible costs are incurred4 4 7c7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by this section shall apply to a major disaster or emergency declared under such ,act before the date of enactment of this ,act for which the period for processing requests for assistance has not ended as of the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cje4 ,utility resiliency 7a7 ,in general ,section #djc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj;b7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,electric utilities 7#a7 ,hazard mitigation activities ,an electric utility may carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities jointly or otherwise in combination with activities for the restoration of power carried out with assistance provided under this section4 7#b7 ,eligibility for additional assistance ,in any case in which an electric utility facility receives assistance under this section for the emergency restoration of power1 the receipt of such assistance shall not render such facility ineligible for any hazard mitigation assistance under section #djf for which such facility is otherwise eligible4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall only apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cjf4 ,additional amendments to hazard mitigation revolving loan fund ,section #bje of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eace7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 by inserting hazard mitigation1 resilience1 and before emergency management2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7f77#a77;,c7 by striking #b and inserting #d4 #cjg4 ,streamlined hazard mitigation application process ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall establish a consolidated grant application form for hazard mitigation funds provided under sections #bjc1 #bje1 and #djd of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc2 #eace2 #eagj;c71 to-- 7#a7 facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation funds established under such sections2 7#b7 facilitate the administration of hazard mitigation funds established under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djja et seq47 and section #cbb7;f7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7as added by this ,act72 7#c7 ensure the provision of hazard mitigation assistance in accordance with applicable laws and regulations2 7#d7 reduce the administrative burden of the application and review process2 and 7#e7 expedite the execution of grant agreements and the disbursement of funds4 #cjh4 ,study and report on mitigation benefits 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness1 long-term cost savings1 and strategic impact of nationwide hazard mitigation activities funded by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7b7 ,objectives ,in conducting the study required under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall assess how the mitigation programs of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency-- 7#a7 reduce ,federal and non-,federal expenditures for disaster response and recovery2 7#b7 enhance community preparedness for natural hazards2 7#c7 improve the availability and affordability of hazard-related insurance2 7#d7 support continuity of operations for critical services and infrastructure2 and 7#e7 generate long-term cost savings and measurable returns on investment4 7c7 ,methodology ,the study under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided losses2 7#b7 evaluations of the effect of hazard mitigation on community-level risk ratings1 actuarial assessments1 and insurance penetration2 7#c7 case studies from diverse geographic regions and hazard types2 and 7#d7 examinations of the role of mitigation activities in reducing ,federal disaster response and recovery costs4 7d7 ,data sources ,in carrying out the study under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall use data from-- 7#a7 ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal agencies2 7#b7 independent third-party assessments and academic studies2 and 7#c7 internal program evaluations and disaster recovery records4 7e7 ,consultation ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may consult with-- 7#a7 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states2 7#b7 the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology2 7#c7 ,state1 local1 ,tribal1 and territorial governments2 and 7#d7 relevant academic and research institutions4 7f7 ,report to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate a report detailing-- 7,a7 the findings of the study2 7,b7 recommendations for improving program design1 targeting1 and oversight2 and 7,c7 recommendations for legislative and administrative actions4 7#b7 ,availability ,the ,administrator shall make each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 publicly available on the website of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency not later than #fj days after the submission of such report4 7g7 ,public availability and ongoing review 7#a7 ,public access ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall make the results of the initial study required under subsection 7a7 publicly available in a searchable1 user-friendly format on the website of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#b7 ,contents ,the published data under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 summarized findings and datasets1 excluding any information that would compromise national security or privacy2 7,b7 visualizations and geographic mappings of mitigation outcomes2 and 7,c7 clear explanations of methodology1 data sources1 and limitations4 7h7 ,annual updates ,the ,administrator shall conduct the study described in subsection 7a7 on an annual basis1 incorporating the most recent available data1 updates to methodology1 and stakeholder feedback4 ,,iv ,transparency and ,accountability #dja4 ,,gao review of ,,fema transition 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #f months thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a review of the transition of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency under title ,i2 and 7#b7 provide a briefing on the results of the review conducted under paragraph 7#a7 to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate4 7b7 ,scope ,in conducting the reviews required under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall assess the following3 7#a7 ,the continued processing of grants for constructing1 reconstructing1 repairing1 restoring1 or replacing eligible facilities4 7#b7 ,the establishment of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch to evaluate whether the transition complied with ,federal laws relating to labor1 procurement1 information management1 and related statutes4 7#c7 ,the status of the contractual obligations of the ,agency4 7#d7 ,interdepartmental coordination1 establishment of new memorandums of understanding1 and assistance from the ,department of ,homeland ,security to ensure that the ,department fulfills all statutory requirements to ensure optimal agency performance during the transition4 7#e7 ,costs associated with the transition of personnel1 equipment1 furnishings1 and related contents over the course of the transition4 7#f7 ,personnel retention related to the transition4 7#g7 ,physical and technological infrastructure needs and which of the needs have been met1 to ensure that the ,agency has been provided with the necessary resources to carry out the mission of the ,agency1 following the transition of the ,agency4 7#h7 ,programmatic operations during the transition of the ,agency4 7#i7 ,communication operations to monitor continued connectivity with stakeholders1 including ,state emergency managers1 private nonprofit organizations1 and other related parties1 during the transition4 7#aj7 ,engineer personnel levels at the ,agency4 7#aa7 ,contracts entered into with licensed engineering professionals in ,states that are in geographic areas in which a major disaster has recently been declared under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj74 7#ab7 ,best practices and lessons learned during the transition1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency and any other key personnel of the ,agency4 7c7 ,sunset ,this section shall cease to be effective on the date that is #cf months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 or an earlier date agreed upon by the ,comptroller ,general and the committees of ,congress specified in subsection 7a74 #djb4 ,transparency and online accountability 7a7 ,subpage for transparency of disaster assistance 7#a7 ,establishment of repository for reporting requirements ,the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,treasury and the head of each covered ,federal agency1 shall establish a subpage within the website established under section #b of the ,federal ,funding ,accountability and ,transparency ,act of #bjjf 7#ca ,u4,s4,c4 #faja note7 to publish the information required to be made available to the public under this subsection4 7#b7 ,submission of information by ,federal agencies ,not later than #cj days after the end of a calendar quarter1 each covered ,federal agency that made disaster assistance available to an eligible recipient during such quarter shall1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 make available to the public on the subpage established under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in paragraph 7#c71 and ensure that any data assets of the agency are machine-readable4 7#c7 ,information required ,the information described in this paragraph is1 with respect to disaster assistance provided by the covered ,federal agency-- 7,a7 the total amount of disaster assistance provided by the agency during such quarter2 7,b7 the amount of disaster assistance provided by the agency that was expended or obligated to projects or activities2 and 7,c7 a detailed list of all projects or activities for which disaster assistance dispersed by the agency was expended1 obligated1 or used1 including-- 7i7 the name of the project or activity2 7ii7 a description of the project or activity2 7iii7 an evaluation of the completion status of the project or activity2 7iv7 any award identification number assigned to the project2 7v7 the ,catalog for ,disaster ,assistance number assigned by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7vi7 the location of the project1 including ,,zip ,codes2 and 7vii7 any reporting requirement information being collected by a covered ,federal agency with respect to that agency's disaster assistance4 7#d7 ,guidance ,each covered ,federal agency1 in coordination with the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget and the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 shall issue such guidance as is necessary to meet the requirements of this section4 7#e7 ,agreement with private entity ,the ,director1 if necessary for purposes of transparency1 may enter into an agreement with a private entity1 including a nonprofit organization1 to develop the subpage required under this subsection4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered ,federal agency ,the term covered ,federal agency means-- 7,a7 any agency providing assistance under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq472 7,b7 the ,small ,business ,administration2 and 7,c7 the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7#b7 ,disaster assistance ,the term disaster assistance means any funds that are made available by the ,federal ,government in response to a specified natural disaster1 including-- 7,a7 any assistance provided by the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration as a result of a disaster declared under section #g7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcf7;b772 7,b7 any assistance provided by the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development for-- 7i7 activities authorized under title ,i of the ,housing and ,community ,development ,act of #aigd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ecja et seq47 related to disaster relief1 long-term recovery1 restoration of infrastructure and housing1 and economic revitalization in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a major disaster declared pursuant to the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq472 and 7ii7 flood insurance coverage provided under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program pursuant to the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djja et seq472 and 7,c7 any assistance provided under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq474 7#c7 ,eligible recipient ,the term eligible recipient-- 7,a7 means any entity that receives disaster assistance directly from the ,federal ,government 7including disaster assistance received through grant1 loan1 or contract7 other than an individual2 and 7,b7 includes a ,state that receives disaster assistance4 7#d7 ,specified natural disaster ,the term specified natural disaster means-- 7,a7 a fire on public or private forest land or grassland described in section #dbj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eahg72 7,b7 a major disaster declared by the ,president under section #dja of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj72 7,c7 an emergency declared by the ,president under section #eja of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaia72 and 7,d7 any other natural disaster for which a disaster declaration is made by the ,federal ,government4 #djc4 ,prohibition on political discrimination ,section #cjh7;a7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaea7;a77 is amended by striking or economic status and inserting economic status1 or political affiliation4 #djd4 ,review of burdensome regulations and policies ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report that-- 7#a7 identifies any regulations1 policies1 and procedures promulgated pursuant to the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 that-- 7,a7 are obsolete2 7,b7 conflict with other regulations1 policies1 and procedures2 7,c7 conflict with current law2 7,d7 set more stringent requirements than required by law2 and 7,e7 create unnecessary burdens and costs on disaster assistance2 and 7#b7 contains recommendations on which regulations1 policies1 and procedures should be amended or rescinded4 #dje4 ,report on assistance to individuals 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report with respect to fiscal year #bjaf through the most recent fiscal year ending before the date of enactment of this ,act1 and an annual report for any fiscal year beginning on or after the date of enactment of this ,act1 describing-- 7#a7 the average amount of individual assistance and individual and household assistance provided under section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 to1 and the rate of denial of individual assistance and individual and household assistance provided under such section for-- 7,a7 all individuals2 7,b7 households2 7,c7 individuals and households with a reported annual income under #ge percent of the national median household income2 7,d7 individuals with a reported annual income over #abe percent of the national median household income2 and 7,e7 individuals with a reported annual income between #ge percent and #abe percent of the national median household income2 and 7#b7 an explanation for any factors causing an increase in the rate of denial of the assistance described in paragraph 7#a71 if applicable4 7b7 ,information required ,in the report submitted under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall describe the number of homeowners and the number of renters for each category of individuals and households described in subparagraphs 7,c7 through 7,e7 of subsection 7a77#a74 #djf4 ,individual assistance dashboard ,title ,,iv of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dca4 ,individual assistance dashboard 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after a declaration by the ,president that a major disaster exists under section #dja1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall publish on a website of the ,agency an interactive web tool displaying the following information with respect to such disaster3 7#a7 ,the number of applications for assistance under section #djh1 including a description of the number of applications for assistance related to housing under such section and the number of applications for assistance to address other needs under section #djh7;e74 7#b7 ,the number of applications for such assistance that are approved4 7#c7 ,the number of applications for such assistance that are denied4 7#d7 ,a ranked list of the reasons for the denial of such applications1 including the number of applications for each reason for denial4 7#e7 ,if available1 the dollar amount of assistance provided pursuant to section #djh to applicants who are-- 7,a7 property owners with a household annual income-- 7i7 above the national median household income2 and 7ii7 below the national median household income2 and 7,b7 renters with a household annual income-- 7i7 above the national median household income2 and 7ii7 below the national median household income4 7#f7 ,the estimated percentage of residential property that was destroyed as a result of the major disaster1 if available4 7#g7 ,any other information that the ,administrator determines to be relevant4 7b7 ,personally identifiable information ,the ,administrator shall ensure that none of the information published under subsection 7a7 contains the personally identifiable information of an applicant4 4 #djg4 ,,gao report on preliminary damage assessments 7a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study on the practices1 including the accuracy of such practices1 that the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency uses when conducting preliminary damage assessments for the purposes of providing assistance under section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd74 7b7 ,contents ,the ,comptroller ,general shall include in the study conducted under subsection 7a7 the following3 7#a7 ,a comparison of the process and procedures used by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to complete preliminary damage assessments to the process and procedures used by private insurance companies following a major disaster4 7#b7 ,a review of training provided to individuals conducting preliminary damage assessments4 7#c7 ,a comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by individuals above the national median income to homes owned by individuals at or below the national median income4 #djh4 ,improved rental assistance 7a7 ,study ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall conduct a study to examine the unique challenges of renters when seeking ,federal disaster assistance and any disparities of assistance provided to homeowners and renters pursuant to section #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagd7 and develop a plan that addresses any identified challenges and disparities1 including any recommendations for legislative action4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,upon completion of the activities carried out under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report containing the study and recommendations required under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,consultation ,in completing the study and report required under subsections 7a7 and 7b71 the ,administrator shall consult with appropriate ,federal entities and stakeholders involved in disaster housing4 #dji4 ,,gao assessment on identity theft and disaster fraud in disaster assistance programs ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct an assessment of improper and potentially fraudulent ,federal disaster assistance for individuals made to survivors of major disasters declared in #bjbj and #bjba1 including through identity theft2 and 7#b7 submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report that describes-- 7,a7 the prevalence of improper and potentially fraudulent ,federal disaster assistance for individuals made to registrants who used invalid information to apply for disaster assistance1 including through identity theft2 7,b7 the number of disaster survivors whose claims for ,federal disaster assistance for individuals were denied due to another individual filing a fraudulent application using their personal identifying information2 7,c7 the adequacy of existing fraud prevention protocols in place on the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency's online application for ,federal disaster assistance for individuals2 and 7,d7 recommendations for improving the identity verification protocols in place for ,federal disaster assistance for individuals4 #daj4 ,,gao study on insurance utilization for public assistance-eligible facilities 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall complete a study on the utilization of insurance by facilities eligible for public assistance4 7b7 ,matters ,to be studied ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall examine the following3 7#a7 ,the effect of insurance coverage of a ,state on declarations by the ,president under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 that a major disaster exists in such ,state4 7#b7 ,trends in insurance coverage for facilities eligible for public assistance before and after such facilities receive public assistance4 7#c7 ,the enforcement of insurance purchase requirements under section #bjf4bec of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#d7 ,rates of noncompliance with1 or lapses in1 required insurance coverage by recipients of public assistance4 7#e7 ,rates of insurance coverage among critical facilities eligible for public assistance1 including hospitals1 emergency operations centers1 and public safety buildings4 7#f7 ,changes in facilities eligible for public assistance obtaining insurance coverage after revisions to flood hazard maps or other hazard designations4 7c7 ,report to ,congress ,upon completion of the study required under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress a report describing the results of such study1 including findings and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action4 7d7 ,public assistance defined ,in this section1 the term public assistance means assistance provided under section #djc1 #djf1 #dji1 or #dbh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act4 #daa4 ,study on wildfire management plans 7a7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study1 and submit a report thereon to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives1 on wildfire management plans4 7b7 ,contents ,in the report submitted under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a list and description of ,states that have a completed forest management plan1 wildland management plan1 or any similar plan intended to guide actions the ,state plans to take to mitigate the risk of wildfires with respect to non-,federal lands4 7#b7 ,a description of ,states that have a high risk of wildfires4 7#c7 ,for the ,states described in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 a list of the ,states that have completed a plan described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 a description of whether such plan is effective at mitigating the risk of wildfires4 7#d7 ,an analysis of whether each ,state with a plan described in paragraph 7#a7 follows such plan and makes available adequate resources to meet the goals of such plan4 7#e7 ,an analysis of whether any ,federal funding for hazard mitigation provided to ,states with a high risk of wildfires is used to carry out activities related to mitigating the risk of wildfires4 7#f7 ,for wildfires that occurred during the #e-year period ending on the date of enactment of this ,act1 in ,states that did not have a plan described in paragraph 7#a71 an analysis as to whether damage from such wildfires may have been reduced if such ,states had such a plan in place4 7#g7 ,a comparison of the plans listed under paragraph 7#a7 and an identification of best practices and areas for improvement4 7#h7 ,recommendations on whether incentives are needed in ,federal funding for ,states to develop plans described in paragraph 7#a7 and follow such plans4 #dab4 ,effectiveness of local1 ,state1 territory1 and ,federal alerting systems 7a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of local1 ,state1 territory1 and ,federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies to help communities develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency4 7b7 ,contents ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall-- 7#a7 evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums1 including platforms such as social media1 to disseminate emergency alerts1 including travel bans and mass power outages1 during extreme weather events2 7#b7 assess the extent that guidance and training exists for developing alert content1 such as ensuring alerts are clear1 relevant1 and provide the public with actionable information2 and 7#c7 determine whether improvements could be made to public alerting1 including outdoor siren systems1 based on input from a selected sample of emergency managers1 local officials1 and community groups4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a74 #dac4 ,,gao review of management costs ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives a report-- 7#a7 on the actual management costs described in section #cbd of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe;b7 during the period of a major disaster declaration under section #dja of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 to determine whether the amount set aside for those management costs after the date of enactment of this ,act is appropriate2 and 7#b7 that includes the management costs described in section #cbd of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eafe;b7 for each disaster declared under during the period of a major disaster declaration under section #dja of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 during the #e-year period preceding the date of the report1 the amount set aside for those management costs1 the use of those management costs1 the length of each disaster1 and the reason for the length of each disaster4 #dad4 ,report on coordination of disaster assistance to individuals 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 in coordination with other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report conducted by all relevant ,federal agencies to improve the comprehensive delivery of disaster assistance to individuals following a major disaster or emergency declaration under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq474 7b7 ,contents ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include both administrative actions taken1 or planned to be taken1 by the agencies as well as legislative proposals1 where appropriate1 of the following3 7#a7 ,efforts to improve coordination between the ,agency and other relevant ,federal agencies when delivering disaster assistance to individuals4 7#b7 ,clarify the sequence of delivery of disaster assistance to individuals from the ,agency1 and other relevant ,federal agencies4 7#c7 ,clarify the interpretation and implementation of section #cab of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaee7 when providing disaster assistance to individuals1 including providing a common interpretation across the ,agency1 and other relevant ,federal agencies1 of the definitions and requirements under such section #cab4 7#d7 ,increase the effectiveness of communication to applicants for assistance programs for individuals after a disaster declaration1 including the breadth of programs available and the potential impacts of utilizing one program versus another4 7c7 ,report update ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with other relevant ,federal agencies1 shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction an update to the report required under paragraph 7#a74 #dae4 ,,gao review of cost savings associated with repair and rebuilding reforms 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall complete a study on repair and rebuilding reforms carried out by the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7b7 ,contents ,the ,comptroller ,general shall include in the study conducted under subsection 7a7 the following3 7#a7 ,a comprehensive review of the costs associated with providing direct housing assistance options in response to a major disaster or emergency1 including temporary housing units1 transportable temporary housing units1 hoteling programs1 and rental assistance4 7#b7 ,an assessment of-- 7,a7 the relative cost and timeliness of providing permanent repairs or reconstruction of owner-occupied residences compared to the provision of direct housing assistance options1 including an evaluation of both short-term expenditures and long-term ,federal obligations2 7,b7 the effect of permanent repairs or reconstruction assistance on recovery outcomes for survivors of major disasters1 including time to reestablishment1 housing stability1 health and safety1 and economic self-sufficiency1 in comparison to the recovery outcomes for such survivors who received temporary sheltering2 7,c7 the effect of permanent repairs or reconstruction on the ability of survivors of major disasters to remain in or return to predisaster communities1 including implications for community cohesion and regional workforce stability2 7,d7 the benefits and potential challenges of expanding the role of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency in direct repair or reconstruction1 including staffing1 coordination with ,states or ,tribal governments1 and interagency collaboration2 7,e7 the effect of repair and rebuilding reforms on long-term ,federal disaster recovery liabilities1 including the potential for cost avoidance in future disaster assistance1 housing displacement1 and repeat assistance cases2 and 7,f7 the adequacy of existing or proposed safeguards to protect ,federal funds4 7#c7 ,a review of the use of permanent repairs of owner-occupied residences and permanent housing construction by the ,administrator1 including best practices and lessons learned4 7c7 ,report ,upon completion of the study required under subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to ,congress a report describing the results of such study1 including findings and any recommendations for legislative or administrative action4 7d7 ,repair and rebuilding reforms defined ,in this section1 the term repair and rebuilding reforms means reforms to the provision of assistance under sections #djc and #djh of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act as a result of the amendments made by this ,act4 #daf4 ,transparency for disaster declarations ,section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,transparency for major disaster declarations 7#a7 ,in general ,upon issuing an approval or denial of a major disaster requested by a ,governor of a ,state or the ,chief ,executive of an affected ,indian tribal government under this section1 the ,president shall provide to the ,governor or ,chief ,executive a detailed justification of such approval or denial that includes-- 7,a7 an explanation of the determination that the damage caused by the disaster did or did not exceed the capacity of the ,state or ,indian tribal government2 7,b7 a consideration of loss of life and potential continued threats to public safety2 7,c7 the total value of the damage caused by the disaster as estimated by the ,president1 in consultation with the ,administrator and impacted ,state or ,indian tribal government1 that was used to make the disaster declaration determination2 and 7,d7 how the ,president1 in consultation with the ,administrator-- 7i7 determined whether the disaster impacted a rural or economically distressed community or communities2 and 7ii7 considered whether there was severe local impact or were recent multiple disasters in the impacted area4 7#b7 ,applicability ,this subsection shall not apply in any case in which the ,president makes a declaration under this section for a major disaster that is requested through expedited procedures1 including pursuant to section #bjf4cf7;d7 of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 4 #dag4 ,fast-moving disasters working group 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall convene a working group to review and develop best practices for preparing for1 mitigating against1 public alerting1 and responding to fast-moving disasters4 7b7 ,membership ,the working group established under subsection 7a7 shall be composed of-- 7#a7 representatives from the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7#b7 representatives from the ,united ,states ,coast ,guard2 7#c7 representatives from the ,department of ,defense2 7#d7 representatives from the ,national ,weather ,service of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7#e7 representatives of ,states1 ,tribal governments1 and units of local government2 and 7#f7 subject matter experts in emergency management1 public alerts and warnings1 emergency evacuations1 and preparedness and response4 7c7 ,best practices ,not later than #a year after the convening of the working group pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall issue1 and make publicly available1 a report on-- 7#a7 best practices to guide ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal and local governments in preparing for1 mitigating against1 public alerting1 and responding to fast-moving disasters2 7#b7 proposed changes to plans and policies of relevant ,federal agencies to better assist in preparing for1 mitigating against1 public alerting1 and responding to fast-moving disasters2 and 7#c7 any needed legislative proposals that would support preparing for1 mitigating against1 public alerting1 and responding to fast-moving disasters4 7d7 ,fast-,moving disaster defined ,in this section1 the term fast-moving disaster means an event that develops or spreads rapidly1 causing significant damage and necessitating immediate response1 including flash flooding1 wildfires1 mudslides1 and tornados4 #dah4 ,public assistance dashboard ,title ,,iv of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj et seq47 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #dcb4 ,public assistance dashboard ,for each major disaster that is declared by the ,president under section #dja on or after the date that is #ahj days after the date of enactment of the ,,fema ,act of #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall1 not later than #ij days after such declaration1 make publicly available on the website of the ,agency an interactive1 publicly accessible dashboard that tracks the following information with respect to each such disaster3 7#a7 ,information on each cost estimate submitted under section #dji1 including information on each applicant1 date of each submission1 descriptions for each project1 cost of each project with a breakdown of the ,federal cost-share and non-,federal cost-share4 7#b7 ,status of the ,agency review and approval of each cost estimate submitted pursuant to section #dji1 including the date a project is approved and the date the grant is issued4 7#c7 ,an explanation for any cost estimate that is not approved or if the grant is not provided in the timeline as required by section #dji and any corrective action taken by the ,agency to conform with the requirements of section #dji4 7#d7 ,project-level progress updates1 consistent with the reporting requirements established under section #dji4 7#e7 ,information on requests made under section #hja1 including dates and amounts of each request1 timelines for submissions of required information1 and dates of approval and disbursement of funds4 7#f7 ,any other information the ,administrator determines to be appropriate to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of public assistance4 4 #dai4 ,improving disaster workforce retention 7a7 ,improving disaster workforce retention in noncontiguous communities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of practices of the ,agency relating to hiring1 recruitment1 and retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback from staff in such communities4 7#b7 ,contents ,in conducting the study under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 evaluate the recruitment strategies of the ,agency and efforts of the ,agency to broaden the pool of qualified local candidates2 7,b7 prioritize input from communities in which there are the most severe staffing shortages2 and 7,c7 identify specific steps that the ,agency can take to improve opportunities for staff in noncontiguous communities4 7#c7 ,briefing ,not later than #f months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate on the results of the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,policies ,the ,administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies1 guidance1 or regulations of the ,agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,,gao review of disaster response and recovery in noncontiguous communities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities1 with a particular focus on recovery efforts relating to damage caused by ,super ,typhoon ,yutu1 and compare such practices with the disaster response and recovery practices in contiguous communities4 7#b7 ,contents ,in conducting the study under paragraph 7#a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall-- 7,a7 analyze ongoing recovery efforts from disasters that have impacted noncontiguous communities2 7,b7 analyze the level of coordination between the ,federal ,departments and ,agencies tasked with disaster response and recovery2 7,c7 assess how effectively ,federal agencies coordinate with ,state emergency management offices2 7,d7 assess the effectiveness of the ,area offices and ,regional ,advisory ,councils of the ,agency in assisting noncontiguous communities2 and 7,e7 make recommendations on how to improve the disaster response and recovery outcomes in noncontiguous communities4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report on the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,preliminary damage assessment pilot program 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall establish a pilot program to implement new technology in carrying out a preliminary damage assessment in a noncontiguous community in which a major disaster has been declared under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj74 7#b7 ,priority ,in carrying out the pilot program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall ensure that the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities are prioritized4 7#c7 ,briefing ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall brief the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate on the implementation of the pilot program established under paragraph 7#a74 7#d7 ,sunset ,the pilot program established under paragraph 7#a7 shall terminate on ,september #cj1 #bjcj4