By Hank Russell
A bill that was introduced by U.S. Representative Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) that he says will result in efficiency and accountability in responding to natural disasters was signed into law.
President Joe Biden recently signed into law the Disaster Contract Improvement Act, which requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group to encourage collaboration among entities engaged in disaster recovery relating to debris removal.
“This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and that recovery efforts following natural disasters are free from waste, fraud, and abuse,” LaLota said. “Every action Congress takes should prioritize helping the American people, not burdening them. I’m committed to delivering real results, and this law is a testament to that commitment. I will continue fighting for Suffolk County families to ensure accountability and effectiveness in government.”
The law requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group comprising representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, state and local governments, the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, tribal governments, and industry experts. This group is tasked with fostering collaboration and streamlining efforts among stakeholders involved in post-disaster recovery, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to assist impacted communities.
In addition to creating the advisory group, the law mandates FEMA to conduct comprehensive outreach and provide clear guidance to state, tribal, and local governments. This includes developing and disseminating support materials to improve their understanding and implementation of debris removal contracts. By prioritizing education and communication, the law ensures that all levels of government are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently in the aftermath of disasters.
The Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough study on the use of advance contracts for debris removal. This study will evaluate the adoption rates of such contracts by state, tribal, and local governments and identify opportunities to enhance oversight, reduce delays, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The insights gained from this analysis will inform future policy improvements, reinforcing accountability and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
“When our communities get hit by extreme weather, it’s critical that post-disaster services are ready to respond and that needed goods and services to those affected are delivered,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire). “This bipartisan legislation will help tackle spending waste and fraud and improve government efficiency to strengthen disaster preparation and recovery efforts. I’m pleased that this bill has been signed into law to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and communities can recover quickly.”
U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and the bill’s sponsor. thanked LaLota for “leading the charge” in getting the House version of the Act passed.
“This hurricane season brought devastation to families and businesses across the state, but thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud, and abuse following storms,” Scott said. “It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer. Our bill will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. … The Disaster Contract Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers and I thank President Biden for signing it into law.”
“Clear guidance on debris removal is crucial for communities to recover swiftly from extreme weather events like the ones we’ve seen this year,” said Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and a co-sponsor of the Act. “By enhancing coordination between FEMA and our dedicated disaster recovery partners, we can make cleanup efforts more cost-effective and efficient, ultimately helping our communities rebound and thrive quicker. I appreciate Representatives LaLota and Pappas’ work leading this bill in the House and am proud to see it signed into law.”