Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act

H.R. 5501, the Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act, would require the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct and report within one year on critical data gaps affecting federal grant programs supporting Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, the 2020 earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The GAO study must inventory all relevant grants, analyze how statistical data are used across the grant process, assess the most important data needs and gaps, and evaluate how these gaps have hindered grant allocation, administration, and evaluation. The bill also asks for a review of federal products or systems that currently exclude Puerto Rico and how inclusion could improve grant processes, with agencies offering recommendations. In addition, federal officials must respond to information requests within 90 days. The act is titled the Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act. If enacted, the bill would push federal agencies to compile and assess data standards and reporting practices related to Puerto Rico recovery funding, potentially informing improvements to data quality, timeliness, and inclusivity of Puerto Rico in federal grant processes.