Bill > HR5503

This bill establishes a new Territorial Disaster Recovery Program within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and others) better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. The program will continuously identify and address challenges these territories face during disaster recovery, such as limited resources, infrastructure vulnerabilities, population decline, and difficulties navigating federal assistance programs. Specifically, FEMA will be required to conduct a comprehensive analysis of recovery capability gaps every two years, provide tailored technical assistance to territorial entities applying for disaster grants, develop specialized training courses, create best practices for project administration, and establish feedback mechanisms. The bill recognizes the unique challenges U.S. territories face, including their susceptibility to extreme weather events, high public debt, outdated infrastructure, and remote locations that complicate recovery efforts. The program will aim to improve disaster resilience by considering cultural differences, language barriers, and local needs when providing assistance. FEMA will be required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the program's progress and effectiveness, with the final report including recommendations for the program's future. The bill authorizes $50 million in funding annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5503/all-info