To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to administer the Next Generation Warning System grant program and disburse obligated funds under such program, and for other purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6201
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6201Emergency Management
To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to administer the Next Generation Warning System grant program and disburse obligated funds under such program, and for other purposes.
INTRO NOV 20· LAST ACTION NOV 21
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
7
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
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to make sure that funds intended for improving emergency warning systems actually get used. For years, communities have relied on effective alert systems to warn people about hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, and other dangers. If this bill becomes law, it could speed up the upgrade of these systems, making warnings more dependable and reaching more people, especially those with disabilities or in remote areas.
Without this bill, the funds already set aside for these improvements might remain undistributed, delaying crucial upgrades to warning infrastructure. It addresses the real issue of getting essential federal aid to local communities to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies, potentially leading to faster and more widespread public alerts during a crisis.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required to take over the management of the "Next Generation Warning System" grant program.
This centralizes responsibility for a key program aimed at improving public safety warnings, ensuring a single agency is accountable.
PROVISION 02
FEMA must disburse all previously set aside (obligated) funds from fiscal year 2022 for this program within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
This ensures that money intended for emergency warning system improvements, which might have been delayed, is finally distributed to communities.
PROVISION 03
FEMA must begin the process of awarding grants using funds already made available for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
This ensures ongoing investment in modernizing emergency alert capabilities across the nation, supporting continuous improvement.
PROVISION 04
The Secretary of Homeland Security must conduct research and development to improve the accessibility, resiliency, and security of emergency warning systems.
This aims to make future warning systems more effective, reliable, and user-friendly for all communities, including those with special needs.
PROVISION 05
The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to submit a report to Congress on the research and development activities within two years.
This provides accountability and transparency for the efforts to improve warning technologies, allowing Congress to monitor progress.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
COMMITTEE
NOV 21
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
COMMITTEE
NOV 20
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 20
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED NOV 20, 2025
House BillHR 6201Emergency Management
To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to administer the Next Generation Warning System grant program and disburse obligated funds under such program, and for other purposes.
This bill matters because it aims to make sure that funds intended for improving emergency warning systems actually get used. For years, communities have relied on effective alert systems to warn people about hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, and other dangers. If this bill becomes law, it could speed up the upgrade of these systems, making warnings more dependable and reaching more people, especially those with disabilities or in remote areas.
Without this bill, the funds already set aside for these improvements might remain undistributed, delaying crucial upgrades to warning infrastructure. It addresses the real issue of getting essential federal aid to local communities to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies, potentially leading to faster and more widespread public alerts during a crisis.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required to take over the management of the "Next Generation Warning System" grant program.
This centralizes responsibility for a key program aimed at improving public safety warnings, ensuring a single agency is accountable.
high
FEMA must disburse all previously set aside (obligated) funds from fiscal year 2022 for this program within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
This ensures that money intended for emergency warning system improvements, which might have been delayed, is finally distributed to communities.
med
FEMA must begin the process of awarding grants using funds already made available for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
This ensures ongoing investment in modernizing emergency alert capabilities across the nation, supporting continuous improvement.
med
The Secretary of Homeland Security must conduct research and development to improve the accessibility, resiliency, and security of emergency warning systems.
This aims to make future warning systems more effective, reliable, and user-friendly for all communities, including those with special needs.
low
The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to submit a report to Congress on the research and development activities within two years.
This provides accountability and transparency for the efforts to improve warning technologies, allowing Congress to monitor progress.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act
Disburse all obligated funds for fiscal year 2022 under the Next Generation Warning System grant program
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act
Carry out research and development to support and improve emergency warning systems
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act
Submit a report on research and development activities to Congress
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA Administrator)
The head official of the U.S. government agency responsible for coordinating the response to disasters and emergencies.
Next Generation Warning System grant program
A government program that provides money to state and local authorities to improve their systems for warning the public about emergencies and disasters.
Obligated funds
Money that has been set aside or committed for a specific purpose by law, even if it hasn't been physically paid out yet.
Date of enactment
The date on which a bill officially becomes a law after passing both chambers of Congress and being signed by the President (or becoming law without a signature).
Secretary
In this context, it refers to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who leads the Department of Homeland Security.
Critical infrastructure
Systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety. Examples include power grids, water treatment plants, and communication networks.
ACTION TIMELINE
5 EVENTS
NOV 21, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
COMMITTEE
NOV 21, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
COMMITTEE
NOV 20, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 20, 25
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.