Texas Representative Al Green (D) recently introduced a house companion to the Senate Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. The legislation would authorize a needed permanent disaster relief program.
On October 12, 2023, Rep. Green re-introduced the bill that was first introduced in May 2023 by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI). The bill would enable the Housing of Urban Development (HUD) to implement the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR). The relief, as of now, is temporary, but Rep. Green hopes to change that.
“This legislation would establish the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency at HUD to oversee disaster relief efforts and coordinate with other federal agencies,” reads the statement.
Furthermore, “It would also establish a long-term disaster recovery fund at HUD, which would allow the department to more quickly respond to the recovery needs of impacted communities.”
Changing climate conditions have had a drastic effect on communities across the U.S., and people in different areas are prone to unequal levels of disaster depending on various factors.
“Importantly, this bill authorizes HUD to issue regulations for the CDBG-DR program to ensure that it works in the most effective manner possible given the particular needs of impacted communities.”
Rep. Green took time to thank the writer of the original bill that was proposed in May of 2023.
“I am grateful to Senator Schatz for introducing this legislation in the Senate and for fighting to improve the federal government's response to disasters,” said Congressman Green.
“Senator Schatz has consistently sought to ensure that our most vulnerable communities are not left stranded in the wake of major tears, and I am grateful to partner with him once again on this important legislation.”
Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Sen. Schatz emphasized the importance of disaster relief funding.
“Right now, communities in crisis are forced to wait for Congress to pass a disaster funding bill before HUD can help. This bill changes the law, so they no longer have to wait. As soon as a disaster strikes, communities can begin the process of recovery," said Sen. Schatz.
Green concluded his statements, by emphasizing how the legislation could have highly useful effects in communities affected by disaster.
“In a world where natural disasters are unpreventable, this legislation will serve as an essential resource for communities to rebuild and recover, providing much-needed food, clothing and shelter after disaster strikes.”