Press Releases

Today, Congressmen Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) introduced H.R. 3177, the Keep It In The State (KITS) Act to ensure that projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are handled by professionals who are licensed in the states where disaster recovery projects take place. The bill seeks to improve the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of federally funded disaster recovery efforts by requiring that cost estimates, material acquisition, and other project-related activities be carried out by state-licensed professionals.

“When disaster strikes, our communities rely on FEMA to help rebuild stronger and safer,” Ezell said. “But that only happens when the work is done right. By ensuring FEMA projects are overseen by professionals licensed in our home state, we’re making sure local standards, materials, and practices are respected throughout the process. The KITS Act will help prevent government bureaucrats from states away from overruling local experts. We want to rebuild smarter, not just faster—and that starts with using qualified professionals who understand our terrain, our codes, and our people.”

"Post-disaster rebuilding should be led by local experts who deeply understand the affected region," Carbajal said. "This legislation will go a long way toward empowering communities to accelerate their region’s recovery efforts."

As a coastal city that understands firsthand the urgency of disaster recovery, we strongly support Congressman Ezell’s Keep it in the State (K.I.T.S.) Act. Ensuring FEMA projects are managed by licensed professionals within the state not only respects local knowledge but also enhances the quality and speed of our recovery efforts. Local experts are more familiar with our building codes, environmental conditions, and infrastructure systems, which leads to better-informed decisions and more resilient outcomes. This legislation is a practical step forward in empowering communities like Gautier to rebuild stronger and smarter after disaster strikes," Mayor Casey Vaughan, City of Gautier said.

"As Mayor of Biloxi, we have been impacted by several major hurricanes. Our City works with FEMA everyday. We are grateful for Representative Ezell's leadership and efforts to streamline the regulatory process and ensure that future rebuilding efforts are under the control of our state and local officials. Requiring state-licensed professionals makes good common sense, and we fully support this legislation," Mayor Andrew "Fo Fo" Gilich, City of Biloxi said.

"Here in Pascagoula, we know how important it is to rebuild our community the right way after a disaster. Making sure that rebuilding is done by licensed professionals from our own state means safer homes, stronger infrastructure and a faster return to normal for our families and businesses. I’m grateful for Congressman Ezell's leadership for pushing forward this effort that will strengthen recovery operations by putting the work in the hands of those who know our state best. It’s a common-sense step that will make a real difference for communities like ours along the coast," Mayor Jay Willis, City of Pascagoula said.

“This certainly makes sense for the protection of a City and or County, to secure the services of a professional in determining the extent of storm damage, development of the scope of work necessary to restore to pre-storm conditions or, should an improvement be considered for mitigation and for the development of project plans and specification which would ensure appropriate materials and work methods adhere to specific engineering standards," D'Iberville City Manager, Bobby Weaver said.

“The City of Moss Point certainly supports Congressman Ezell’s effort to ensure quality and efficiency in disaster rebuilding. Recognizing the importance of local perspective and expertise can go a long way in speeding up recovery processes,” Moss Point Mayor Billy Knight, Sr. said. “We appreciate the congressman’s focus on disaster-related issues, as South Mississippi sits in a disaster-prone zone.”

The legislation responds to long-standing concerns from local leaders and industry professionals who have raised issues with out-of-state or unlicensed individuals making critical decisions in the wake of disasters. These decisions often lead to delays, unnecessary costs, or construction that fails to meet state and local requirements.

Under the KITS Act, FEMA will be required to:

• Use professionals who are licensed in the relevant state for cost estimating, procurement, and other major project tasks.
• Prioritize the use of local expertise to improve accountability and ensure compliance with state and local codes.
• Work more closely with state agencies and stakeholders during disaster response and recovery.

###