House BillHR 164Electric power generation and transmission
POWER Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to make our electricity more reliable, especially in areas hit by natural disasters. If this bill becomes law, electric companies can use federal disaster money more efficiently to not only get the lights back on quickly but also to prevent future outages by making the power grid tougher. This means less disruption to daily life, safer communities, and potentially lower long-term costs associated with repeated disaster repairs. If it doesn't pass, utilities might continue to prioritize immediate repairs over long-term prevention, leading to a cycle of repeated damage and outages every time a significant weather event occurs, which could frustrate customers and cost taxpayers more in the long run.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Allows electric utilities to combine cost-effective hazard mitigation activities with power restoration efforts using the same federal emergency assistance.
This means utilities can rebuild stronger and more resilient infrastructure immediately after a disaster, rather than just restoring it to its previous state.
PROVISION 02
Ensures that receiving emergency power restoration assistance does not make an electric utility ineligible for other federal hazard mitigation assistance.
This prevents utilities from being penalized for receiving urgent aid and allows them to pursue comprehensive long-term resilience projects.
PROVISION 03
These changes only apply to federal funds appropriated on or after the date the Act becomes law.
This ensures that the new rules only affect future disaster aid allocations and not money already distributed or earmarked under previous appropriations.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
SENATE · INTROREFERRAL
JAN 15
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H168-169)
FLOOR
JAN 15
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103)
HOUSE · FLOOR
JAN 15
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103)
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to make our electricity more reliable, especially in areas hit by natural disasters. If this bill becomes law, electric companies can use federal disaster money more efficiently to not only get the lights back on quickly but also to prevent future outages by making the power grid tougher. This means less disruption to daily life, safer communities, and potentially lower long-term costs associated with repeated disaster repairs. If it doesn't pass, utilities might continue to prioritize immediate repairs over long-term prevention, leading to a cycle of repeated damage and outages every time a significant weather event occurs, which could frustrate customers and cost taxpayers more in the long run.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows electric utilities to combine cost-effective hazard mitigation activities with power restoration efforts using the same federal emergency assistance.
This means utilities can rebuild stronger and more resilient infrastructure immediately after a disaster, rather than just restoring it to its previous state.
med
Ensures that receiving emergency power restoration assistance does not make an electric utility ineligible for other federal hazard mitigation assistance.
This prevents utilities from being penalized for receiving urgent aid and allows them to pursue comprehensive long-term resilience projects.
low
These changes only apply to federal funds appropriated on or after the date the Act becomes law.
This ensures that the new rules only affect future disaster aid allocations and not money already distributed or earmarked under previous appropriations.
The amendments made by this Act apply only to amounts appropriated.
GLOSSARY
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Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)
The main federal law that authorizes the President to provide federal assistance for states and local governments during declared major disasters and emergencies.
Hazard mitigation
Actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards, like strengthening buildings or burying power lines to prevent future damage.
Electric utility
A company or organization responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to customers.
Emergency restoration of power
The immediate efforts to repair damaged electrical systems and bring power back online after a disaster.
Resilience
The ability of a system, like the electrical grid, to withstand disruptions, recover quickly, and adapt to future challenges.
Essential assistance
Federal aid provided under the Stafford Act to help communities meet immediate needs and restore essential services after a disaster.
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTS
JAN 16, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 15, 25
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H168-169)
FLOOR
JAN 15, 25
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103)
FLOOR
JAN 15, 25
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103)