Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after two bills he introduced, H.R. 152, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act and H.R. 153, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and government-wide disaster management, passed the U.S. House of Representatives: 

"I am proud to see these two critical pieces of legislation, designed to streamline the federal government's response to disasters, pass the U.S. House with overwhelming bipartisan support," Ezell said. "Our communities deserve a response that is swift, coordinated, and effective when disaster strikes. My bills are a step forward in ensuring that resources reach those in need without delay, and that the process of recovery is as smooth as possible for families, businesses, and local governments. I am thankful to Chairman Graves for his leadership in helping to advance these bills, as it was instrumental in bringing us closer to a more effective and efficient disaster response. I look forward to my colleagues in the Senate promptly taking these up for consideration."

"I want to thank Congressman Ezell for his leadership as we work to improve disaster assistance programs for victims," Chairman Graves said. “These bills will make it easier for disaster victims to access information about the programs available to them and speed up the process of applying for and receiving assistance after a disaster."

"The Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act and the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act are crucial steps towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in federal disaster response," said Dr. Natalie Enclade, Executive Director of BuildStrong America. "These bills align will ensure federal disaster funds are used effectively, promote resilience, and streamline recovery processes. By improving data collection, damage assessment, and public accessibility of information, we can build trust with affected communities and strengthen our nation's ability to respond to and recover from disasters."

Background: 
H.R. 152, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act establishes a study under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be modified, streamlined, expedited, efficient, flexible, consolidated, and simplified to be less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants. PASSED 405-5.

H.R. 153, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act enhances federal government transparency by requiring FEMA to publicly share information about the impact of the damage. PASSED 426-0. 

As a Vice Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ezell is working hand-in-hand with the Committee to ensure that FEMA and other federal agencies are held to the highest standard when it comes to disaster response.

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