**House Passes Law to Enhance Transparency in Disaster Relief Spending**

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22 days ago - Politics

House Passes New Law to Track Disaster Relief Money

In a recent session, the House of Representatives took a significant step to improve how disaster relief money is managed. They passed a new law that makes it easier for everyone to see where the money goes after disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods.

This new law requires federal agencies to report their spending on disaster assistance publicly. Basically, every three months, these agencies will have to provide detailed information about how much money is given out, how much has been spent, and how much is still set aside for projects. They also need to list the specific projects that the money is supporting, including where they are located, down to the ZIP code, and their current status.

The goal of this law is to increase transparency, meaning that people can see exactly how disaster money is being used in their communities. This way, if people understand where the money is going and how it’s helping those affected by disasters, they may feel more trust in their government. Essentially, this law aims to ensure that disaster relief is trackable and that the funds are used effectively to help those in need.

House members voted overwhelmingly in favor, and the law has now passed. This decision shows a strong commitment to accountability in how disaster relief funds are handled, aiming for better support in recovery efforts after disasters strike.

This is a new bill that sets up an online space to keep track of who gets disaster help from the government.

  1. Main Change: This bill creates a special online place where agencies must report details about disaster assistance they provide.

  2. What Agencies Must Do:

    • Agencies must report how much money they give out in disaster assistance.
    • They must show the purpose of the funds.
    • They need to track where the money goes and how it helps people after a disaster.

  3. Important Details:

    • Agencies will include total amounts given and what type of assistance was provided.
    • The information must be clear and easy to find.

  4. Impact on People:

    • This will help ensure that disaster funds are used properly and transparently.
    • It aims for better accountability, so everyone can see how help is given after disasters.

In summary, the bill helps people understand and track disaster assistance better, which can lead to improved support during tough times.

426 votes

Yes

426

No

0

-

Not Voting

8

  1. Referred in Senate

    This is a bill that creates an online place to share important information about federal disaster assistance.

    First and foremost, it aims to improve transparency.

    • A new web page will be set up to show details about money given for disaster relief.
    • Each federal agency must report how much money they gave out for disaster relief every three months.
    • They need to list:
      • The total amount given.
      • How much was used for specific projects.
      • Detailed information about each project, including:
        • Project name.
        • Description of what it is.
        • Completion status.
        • Award identification number.
        • Location details like ZIP codes.

    Federal agencies will work together to make sure this information is easy to find and understand. They may also partner with private organizations to help set up this page.

    By having this online information, it helps people see where the disaster aid money goes and how it’s used.

  2. Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  4. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 10). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H101-102)
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  5. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 426 - 0 (Roll no. 10). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H101-102)
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  6. Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H138-139)
  7. Engrossed in House

    This is a new bill that sets up an online space to keep track of who gets disaster help from the government.

    1. Main Change: This bill creates a special online place where agencies must report details about disaster assistance they provide.

    2. What Agencies Must Do:

      • Agencies must report how much money they give out in disaster assistance.
      • They must show the purpose of the funds.
      • They need to track where the money goes and how it helps people after a disaster.

    3. Important Details:

      • Agencies will include total amounts given and what type of assistance was provided.
      • The information must be clear and easy to find.

    4. Impact on People:

      • This will help ensure that disaster funds are used properly and transparently.
      • It aims for better accountability, so everyone can see how help is given after disasters.

    In summary, the bill helps people understand and track disaster assistance better, which can lead to improved support during tough times.

  8. At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  9. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 153.
  10. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H101-103)
  11. Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  12. Introduced in House

    This is a bill to create a website where people can easily see how the government helps after natural disasters.

    The main points are:

    1. Goal: The bill aims to make it easier for the public to find information about money given to help after disasters.

    2. Actions Required:

      • Federal agencies must report how much disaster assistance they gave every three months.
      • They will include specific details like:
        • Total money provided.
        • The amount spent on projects.
        • A list of all projects, including what they are, where they are, and their progress.

    3. Important Details:

      • This website will help people understand where the money goes and how it helps communities.
      • Federal agencies must ensure this information is clear and easy to read.
      • If needed, they can work with private organizations to set up this website.

    4. Who It Affects: This information will benefit citizens applying for help after disasters. It also keeps the government accountable by showing how funds are used.

    In summary, this bill helps ensure that disaster assistance is tracked and shared openly so everyone can see the impact of their tax dollars during tough times.

  13. Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Small Business, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  14. Introduced in House