Number: RL33053
Title: Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding
Authors: Keith Bea, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Legislation to amend the Stafford Act has received action in the 110th Congress. On July 31, 2008, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ordered to be reported H.R. 6658, which would make significant changes in the Stafford Act regarding various issues, including, but not limited to, temporary employees, warning systems, pre-disaster hazard mitigation; the bill also would establish new authorities for existing programs and the funding mechanism. Also, H.R. 2775, reported from the same committee on September 10, 2007, would amend the statute by authorizing the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program. Third, the full House approved a bill reauthorizing the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program (H.R. 6109). In addition, legislation specific to the administration of Stafford Act provisions in the Gulf Coast (cost-share waivers in H.R. 1591 and cancellation of loan repayment requirements in S. 965) were folded into P.L. 110-28, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007.
Pages: 43
Date: August 15, 2008