Bill Summary
The "FEMA Critical Staffing Act" is a proposed bill aimed at addressing staffing shortages within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It mandates the use of appropriated funds to restore staffing levels by reinstating individuals who were involuntarily separated from the agency between January 20, 2025, and the enactment date of the bill, provided they choose to return.
The bill recognizes FEMA's critical role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, particularly in the context of increasing climate-related disasters. It requires the agency to continue its existing programs that support state and local efforts in managing extreme weather events, ensuring that access to vital resources is maintained. Additionally, the bill specifies the immediate reinstatement and continuation of key programs like the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and the flood mitigation assistance program, both of which are essential for disaster resilience and mitigation efforts.
Possible Impacts
The "FEMA Critical Staffing Act" has the potential to affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Improved Disaster Response**: By reinstating staffing levels at FEMA, the agency will be better equipped to respond to disasters. This means that communities affected by natural disasters—such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods—will receive more timely and effective assistance. Individuals and families facing emergencies will benefit from quicker access to resources, recovery centers, and support services, potentially saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters on their lives.
2. **Job Restoration for Former Employees**: The act mandates the reinstatement of individuals who were involuntarily separated from FEMA. This provision provides these former employees with an opportunity to return to stable employment, which can have significant positive economic effects for them and their families. It helps mitigate the stress associated with job loss and can contribute to the overall economic stability of the communities they serve.
3. **Enhanced Community Preparedness Programs**: With the requirement to continue and reinstate various FEMA programs, communities will have better access to resources for disaster preparedness and mitigation. Programs like the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) initiative and flood mitigation assistance projects will enable local governments to invest in infrastructure improvements and community resilience strategies. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of future disasters, ultimately protecting lives and property for residents in vulnerable areas.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4992 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4992
To require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use appropriated
funds to restore agency staffing levels, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 19, 2025
Mr. Casar (for himself, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Amo, Mr. Moskowitz, Ms. Hoyle
of Oregon, Mr. Stanton, and Mr. Doggett) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use appropriated
funds to restore agency staffing levels, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``FEMA Critical Staffing Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency supports
communities before disasters happen to help understand and
prepare for possible risks, during disasters to assist the
public and provide recovery centers, and after a disaster to
support recovery and mitigating future hazards; and
(2) due to frequent climate change-fueled disasters like
winter wildfires, hail from thunderstorms, and hurricanes, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency works year-round to support
communities across the United States.
SEC. 3. FEDERAL WEATHER MONITORING AND DISASTER RESPONSE WORKFORCE
LEVEL REQUIRE.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
and notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds appropriated or
otherwise made to for the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall be
used to reinstate to a position in the Federal Emergency Management
Agency each individual who--
(1) during the period beginning on January 20, 2025, and
ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, was
involuntarily separated from service in a position in the
Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
(2) elects to be so reinstated.
SEC. 4. CONTINUATION OF AUTHORIZED FEMA PROGRAMS.
(a) Requirements.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency--
(1) shall continue to carry out any programs for which
funds have been appropriated that support State and local
efforts to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events;
and
(2) may not make any changes to existing congressionally
mandated programs that will reduce access to extreme weather
resources.
(b) Actions Required.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall--
(1) immediately reinstate the Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities program (established pursuant to
section 203(i) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(i))) and carry out any
project under such program for which funds have been made
available; and
(2) immediately reinstate the flood mitigation assistance
program authorized under section 1366 of the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) and carry out any
project for which funds have been made available under such
program.
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