Improving Disaster Assistance for Veterans Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 4480
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4480Emergency Management
Improving Disaster Assistance for Veterans Act
INTRO JUL 17· LAST ACTION JUL 18
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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Veterans would be most directly affected by this bill. When natural disasters or emergencies strike, they would have a dedicated point person within FEMA whose job is to ensure their unique needs are considered during the disaster response and recovery process. This aims to make it easier for veterans to access the disaster assistance they are eligible for and to ensure their concerns are specifically addressed.
Veterans service organizations would also be directly affected, as the Veteran Advocate would serve as their primary point of contact within FEMA. This would provide a clearer channel for these organizations to communicate the needs of their members and work with FEMA during disaster events.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Directs the President to designate a Veteran Advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This establishes a dedicated role focused solely on the needs of veterans during disaster relief efforts.
PROVISION 02
Requires the Veteran Advocate to participate in the disaster declaration process to ensure veterans' needs are addressed.
This ensures that veteran-specific concerns are considered from the earliest stages of a disaster response.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the Veteran Advocate to serve as the primary point of contact between veterans service organizations and FEMA.
This streamlines communication and coordination between support groups for veterans and the federal disaster agency.
PROVISION 04
Charges the Veteran Advocate with identifying opportunities for expanded veteran recruitment for FEMA employment, including reservist positions.
This provision aims to increase veteran employment within FEMA and utilize their skills in disaster response.
PROVISION 05
Clarifies that the bill does not authorize any new types of major disaster or emergency assistance beyond what is currently available.
This ensures the bill focuses on improving access to existing aid rather than expanding aid programs.
Veterans would be most directly affected by this bill. When natural disasters or emergencies strike, they would have a dedicated point person within FEMA whose job is to ensure their unique needs are considered during the disaster response and recovery process. This aims to make it easier for veterans to access the disaster assistance they are eligible for and to ensure their concerns are specifically addressed.
Veterans service organizations would also be directly affected, as the Veteran Advocate would serve as their primary point of contact within FEMA. This would provide a clearer channel for these organizations to communicate the needs of their members and work with FEMA during disaster events.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the President to designate a Veteran Advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This establishes a dedicated role focused solely on the needs of veterans during disaster relief efforts.
high
Requires the Veteran Advocate to participate in the disaster declaration process to ensure veterans' needs are addressed.
This ensures that veteran-specific concerns are considered from the earliest stages of a disaster response.
med
Mandates the Veteran Advocate to serve as the primary point of contact between veterans service organizations and FEMA.
This streamlines communication and coordination between support groups for veterans and the federal disaster agency.
med
Charges the Veteran Advocate with identifying opportunities for expanded veteran recruitment for FEMA employment, including reservist positions.
This provision aims to increase veteran employment within FEMA and utilize their skills in disaster response.
med
Clarifies that the bill does not authorize any new types of major disaster or emergency assistance beyond what is currently available.
This ensures the bill focuses on improving access to existing aid rather than expanding aid programs.
GLOSSARY
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Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
The main federal law that sets up how the government provides disaster aid and emergency relief when major disasters or emergencies happen.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
A U.S. government agency that coordinates the federal response to disasters and emergencies, helping people and communities recover.
Disaster Declaration Process
The formal procedure where the President declares a 'major disaster' or 'emergency,' making federal aid available to affected areas.
Veteran Advocate
A designated person within FEMA whose job is to ensure fair treatment and address the specific needs of veterans during disaster assistance efforts.
Veterans Service Organizations
Groups that work to support and advocate for the interests of military veterans.
FEMA Reservist Positions
Temporary roles within FEMA for individuals who can be called upon to help with disaster response and recovery efforts when needed.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
JUL 18, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
COMMITTEE
JUL 17, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUL 17, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.