What does ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT AGENCY. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a cabinet-level independent establishment within the executive branch. FEMA's primary mission is to reduce loss of life and property from all hazards, including natural and manmade disasters, through preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The Agency Administrator is tasked with leading national efforts to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate against disasters, partnering with various entities including State, local, Tribal governments, emergency response providers, and the private sector. FEMA is required to develop a Federal response capability to deliver assistance during disasters and integrate emergency preparedness responsibilities. The Agency must develop and maintain regional offices to address regional priorities and provide assistance to various entities. FEMA is responsible for developing and coordinating an all-hazards strategy for preparedness. The legislation defines 'catastrophic incident' as an event resulting in extraordinary casualties or damage severely affecting the population, infrastructure, or government functions. The term 'critical infrastructure' is defined by reference to section 1016(e) of Public Law 107-56. The definition of 'local government' includes counties, municipalities, cities, towns, townships, and Indian tribes, among others. The legislation defines 'vulnerable populations with access and functional needs' as including the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities.

What does ADMINISTRATOR; DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR; OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the leadership structure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Agency is headed by an Administrator appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, who reports directly to the President and serves as the principal advisor on emergency management. The Administrator must have demonstrated ability and knowledge of emergency management, along with at least five years of executive leadership experience. A Deputy Administrator is appointed by the President with Senate confirmation and performs duties delegated by the Administrator, acting as a substitute when the Administrator is unavailable. The Deputy Administrator must have extensive experience in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation. The Agency may have one or more Assistant Administrators, appointed by the Administrator, with duties determined by the Administrator. Assistant Administrators must have demonstrated ability and knowledge of emergency management or a relevant field.

What does AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the authority and responsibilities of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Administrator is tasked with providing Federal leadership in preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against all disasters, including natural and manmade events. FEMA is responsible for managing disaster response, directing teams like the Domestic Emergency Support Team and the Nuclear Incident Response Team, and overseeing the Metropolitan Medical Response System. The Administrator must build a national incident management system involving Federal, State, and local entities. FEMA is required to coordinate emergency response plans into a single national plan and ensure interoperable communications capabilities. The Administrator assists the President in carrying out functions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. FEMA’s mission includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The Administrator is directed to implement an all-hazards strategy, building both common and unique capabilities. The section defines key terms such as 'interoperable,' 'local government,' 'resources,' 'State,' and 'Tribal government'.

What does OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has an Office of the Inspector General The Office is headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President The appointment requires Senate advice and consent

What does TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines the transfer of functions from various entities to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The transfer includes all functions of FEMA as of the day before the Act's enactment, along with functions related to specific laws such as the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Functions relating to the FEMA Inspector General that were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security after January 1, 2003, are also transferred. Certain grant programs within the Department of Homeland Security are excluded from the transfer, including those authorized by sections of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act. A memorandum of understanding is required between the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator to govern the administration of the excluded programs during a transition period. The Act specifies that the appointment of the United States Fire Administrator and the Federal Insurance Administrator are unaffected. The transfers must be completed within one year of the Act's enactment, with the Secretary of Homeland Security providing assistance to the Administrator during the transition. FEMA's Administrator is directed to establish a liaison office to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security.

What does PERSONNEL AND OTHER TRANSFERS. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines personnel and transfer procedures related to functions transferred under section 15. The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to appoint and fix the compensation of officers and employees, including investigators, attorneys, and administrative law judges. The Administrator may obtain expert and consultant services and may delegate functions to designated officers and employees. The Administrator can allocate or reallocate functions among Agency officers and establish or discontinue organizational entities, provided Congress receives written notice. The Administrator may prescribe rules and regulations to administer and manage the Agency's functions. Personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended funds connected to the transferred functions are also transferred to the Agency. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may make incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, and funds. The transfer of personnel generally will not cause separation or reduction in grade or compensation for one year. Individuals previously compensated under the Executive Schedule who are appointed to comparable positions in the Agency will continue to receive at least the same rate of pay.

What does SAVING PROVISIONS. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes saving provisions related to orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants, contracts, certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other administrative actions. Existing legal documents issued before the transfer of functions under section 15, or becoming effective after that date, will continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked. Pending proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking and applications for licenses, permits, certificates, or financial assistance, will continue without interruption. Suits commenced before the date of the function transfers will proceed as if the division had not been enacted. No suit, action, or proceeding commenced by or against the Agency will abate due to the enactment of this division. Administrative actions relating to the preparation or promulgation of regulations may continue as if the division had not been enacted.

What does REFERENCES. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section clarifies how references to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), its Administrator, and its Inspector General should be interpreted in various official documents. References to FEMA in laws, executive orders, and regulations are considered to refer to the Agency established by section 11. References to the Administrator of FEMA are considered to refer to the Administrator established by section 12(a)(1). References to the Inspector General of FEMA, or related functions transferred to the Department of Homeland Security on or after January 1, 2003, are considered to refer to the Inspector General established by section 14 or related functions.

What does FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY WORKING CAPITAL FUND. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a revolving fund, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund, within the Treasury. The Administrator of FEMA may charge fees for services and equipment provided at FEMA headquarters and multi-discipline facilities to the Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, and other authorized sources. Fees will be set to cover operational expenses, including accrued leave, depreciation, amortization, and a reasonable operating reserve. Participants may be required to pay for services and equipment in advance if the Administrator deems the fund insufficient or by mutual agreement. The fund will consist of fees collected, other program-related amounts, and any appropriations. Funds in the revolving fund are available for operating expenses and providing services on a fee basis. Assets, liabilities, contracts, and unexpended funds from the existing Department of Homeland Security Working Capital Fund for FEMA will be transferred to the new fund.

What does IMPROVING DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS. of FEMA Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Title III of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It establishes a new section (328) within the Act, designating a Veterans Advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Veterans Advocate will advocate for fair treatment of veterans in disaster assistance. The Advocate's duties include participating in disaster declaration processes, serving as a point of contact for veterans service organizations, identifying veteran recruitment opportunities for FEMA, and conducting other activities deemed appropriate by the FEMA Administrator. The amendment clarifies that it does not authorize new disaster assistance beyond what was already authorized as of the Act's enactment date.

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FEMA Act of 2025

Last updated: 9/3/2025 · Introduced: 7/23/2025

Author: Sam Graves (R-MO)

AI TL;DR will appear after bill summary generation completes.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 744(In Committee)Official page

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