To amend the Small Business Act to modify application deadlines and communication requirements for certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3556 would revise how the Small Business Act handles disaster relief applications and related communications. The core changes: (1) extend the window for disaster assistance applications by increasing the deadline to end 60 days after the applicable deadlines, (2) create a new authority for the Administrator to accept late disaster-relief applications if the applicant shows good cause, and (3) expand notification and communication requirements to include every office of a Member of Congress who represents a district that experienced a major disaster, in addition to existing channels. The bill also requires that communications related to disaster information be shared with those congressional offices via web-based outlets. The aim is to provide more time for applicants to apply and to enhance congressional awareness of disaster-related assistance.
Key Points
- 1Extends application deadlines: The deadline for disaster relief applications ends 60 days after the existing applicable deadline.
- 2Late applications allowed with good cause: The Administrator may accept disaster-relief applications submitted after the deadline if the applicant demonstrates good cause.
- 3Expanded congressional notification: Notification to the House Committee on Small Business is augmented to include every office of a Member of Congress representing a district with a major disaster.
- 4Expanded communication requirements: The bill adds a requirement to communicate with congressional offices in disaster-affected districts when disseminating information via web-based outlets.
- 5Applies to major disasters: Changes apply to disaster relief programs under the relevant paragraph addressing major disasters in the Small Business Act.