The Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act
The Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act would require the heads of two federal agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to take actions needed to implement the priority recommendations from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on disaster recovery. Specifically, it directs these agencies to carry out the top recommendations identified in GAO’s November 15, 2022 report titled “Disaster Recovery: Actions Needed to Improve the Federal Approach” (GAO-23-104956). The aim is to improve how the federal government administers disaster recovery programs—seeking greater efficiency, better coordination, accountability, and overall effectiveness. The bill’s text is concise and does not authorize new funding or prescribe precise timelines or reforms; rather, it obligates FEMA and HUD to act on the GAO’s priority recommendations. It was introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Financial Services for consideration of provisions within their jurisdictions.
Key Points
- 1Mandate to implement priority GAO recommendations: FEMA and HUD must take actions to implement the priority recommendations from the GAO disaster recovery report (GAO-23-104956, published Nov 15, 2022).
- 2Agencies involved: The required actions apply to the Administrator of FEMA and the Secretary of HUD.
- 3Focus of reform: The bill seeks to improve the federal approach to disaster recovery, with goals such as efficiency, coordination, accountability, and effectiveness of recovery programs.
- 4No new funding specified: The text does not provide or authorize new appropriations; it directs actions to be taken rather than funding levels or specific programs.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced January 24, 2025, and referred to the relevant House committees (Transportation and Infrastructure; Financial Services) for consideration.