Think Differently About Emergencies Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6249) to provide for a review and report on the assistance and resources that the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides to individuals with disabilities and the families of such individuals that are impacted by major disasters, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6249
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Think Differently About Emergencies Act''. SEC. 2. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 describing the assistance and resources that the Administrator provides for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals who are impacted by major disasters declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) to the following:
(1) States.
(2) Localities.
(3) Nonprofit organizations.
(4) Directly to such individuals.
(b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall contain--
(1) a description of the resources and best practices that the Administrator makes available to the entities listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) that are impacted by major disasters declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);
(2) detail the process the Administrator undertakes to train personnel and deploy such personnel into areas to coordinate with States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance and ensure that the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals are met following such a disaster;
(3) list the number of programs the Administrator administers which support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to prepare for and recover from such disasters, including by provide accommodation to such individuals and the families of such individuals;
(4) description of outreach activities of the Administration to State, local, and nonprofit experts on addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals impacted by such disasters; and
(5) report that identifies, with respect to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals, areas for improvement in supporting such individuals and families to prepare for and recover from such disasters. SEC. 3. REVIEW OF ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall each--
(1) conduct a review of assistance and resources the Administrator provides to States, localities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to assist--
(A) individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
(B) individuals with physical disabilities; and
(C) the families of the individuals described in subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(2) identify potential legal impediments to providing such assistance and resources;
(3) provide to Congress recommendations on how the Administration can--
(A) improve such assistance and resources;
(B) enhance coordination with States, localities, nonprofit organizations in carrying out such assistance and providing such resources; and
(C) streamline the application process and delivery of assistance and resources to individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1); and
(4) provide to Congress recommendations on any legislative reform necessary to improve such assistance and resources.
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Mr. MOLINARO. 6249.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 6249, the Think Differently About Emergencies Act.
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a report to Congress that outlines the assistance and resources available to those with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities and further directs the Government Accountability Office to review available assistance to help identify gaps.
As March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it is appropriate that Congress moves this bill and works to ensure gaps in responding to emergencies are addressed.
Disasters, as we know, are difficult for everyone, but they are especially challenging for those individuals with disabilities and those who care for them. It is important that we understand what resources are available and how we can best help those who may have limited ability to respond on their own.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would again like to highlight the importance of ensuring the needs of individuals with developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities are considered during disasters and how FEMA can work to assist those disaster victims.
I also want to thank the other co-sponsors of this legislation--this bipartisan legislation--including the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Ranking Member Titus for working with me on this issue.
I further extend my appreciation to my colleagues across the aisle in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their support. I would like to extend my thanks to Chairman Sam Graves for his support, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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