Rep. Katko Announces Passage of Bill to Help Rural Communities Access Federal Disaster Aid

Press Release

SYRACUSE, NY-- U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24) today announced the passage of the Small State and Rural Rescue Act, bipartisan legislation he authored that would ensure fair access to federal aid for small states and rural communities impacted by flooding and other disasters. Rep. Katko introduced this bill alongside U.S. Reps Dina Titus (D,NV-01), Carlos Gimenez (R,FL-26), Chris Pappas (D,NH-01), and Michael Guest (R,MS-03). Watch Rep. Katko's remarks on the House Floor in support of this legislation here.

Small states and rural communities face unique challenges when seeking federal disaster relief, such as demonstrating the localized impact of disasters and navigating the declaration process through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In response, the Small State and Rural Rescue Act would bolster the role of FEMA's Small State and Rural Advocate in assisting disaster-impacted communities and ensuring they have fair access to federal relief programs. The passage of the Small State and Rural Rescue Act builds on Rep. Katko's longstanding efforts to ensure FEMA is delivering timely and consistent relief to rural communities impacted by disasters. Earlier this year, Rep. Katko reintroduced and passed vital legislation to enhance FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment process.

"I am proud to announce the passage of the Small State and Rural Rescue Act," said Rep. Katko. "In recent years, rural communities in Central New York have been hit by persistent and costly flooding. In the aftermath, local officials have often struggled to secure federal assistance due to bureaucratic red tape in the disaster declaration process. My bipartisan legislation will strengthen FEMA's efforts to coordinate with state and local officials when assessing disaster damage, helping to ensure communities like ours get the assistance they need. I am pleased to see these efforts gaining momentum and remain committed to improving federal relief efforts in my role as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over FEMA."

Specifically, the Small State and Rural Rescue Act:

Expands and codifies the responsibilities of FEMA's Small State and Rural Advocate when helping state and local officials demonstrate localized impact and apply for federal disaster aid.
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review on how FEMA mobilizes individual assistance in the aftermath of a disaster.

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