In a bipartisan effort to help disaster survivors, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rand Paul (R-KY), and James Lankford (R-OK) have reintroduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act. The bill aims to simplify the process for individuals and communities seeking federal disaster recovery aid by creating a universal application for multiple federal agencies. Survivors currently face a complicated process during an already difficult time.
According to a release from Thom Tillis government website, Senator Tillis expressed concern for those affected, saying, "When disasters like Helene strike, families and communities should be focused on rebuilding, not navigating a maze of bureaucratic red tape." The bill would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a universal disaster application, speeding up recovery and reducing the paperwork survivors must complete.
The bill has received support from various organizations, including environmental groups and emergency management associations like the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, and the National Emergency Management Association. Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties, pointed out that county residents often have to fill out multiple, similar applications for federal assistance, which can be confusing and time-consuming during stressful times. The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act seeks to create a universal application to make it easier for survivors to access funding. Counties appreciate Senators Peters, Paul, Lankford, and Tillis for introducing this important legislation.
The International Association of Emergency Managers also supports the bill. Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins, the Government Affairs Committee Chair, explained that the bill would offer faster, more fair, and efficient assistance to those impacted by disasters.
