FEMA Act of 2025

Key Points

• This plan would move FEMA out of the Department of Homeland Security and make it its own independent, cabinet-level agency. The head of FEMA would report directly to the President, which is intended to help the agency focus entirely on disasters and respond more quickly to emergencies without extra layers of bureaucracy.
• The bill creates a single, 'universal' application for people seeking disaster help. Instead of filling out different forms for various agencies, victims would use one online system. This system would allow different government agencies to share information so survivors don't have to provide the same documents multiple times during a stressful recovery.
• For homeowners and renters, the policy expands available help. It would allow for 'minor repairs' so people can safely stay in their homes while fixing them rather than moving to a shelter. It also increases the time people can receive rental assistance from 18 months to 24 months and ensures that people without a permanent address can still qualify for aid.
• The bill changes how the government pays to fix public infrastructure like schools and bridges. It requires FEMA to trust cost estimates made by licensed professionals like engineers and architects, meaning the agency must approve these projects and release funds faster unless there is evidence of criminal fraud.
• A new 'Veterans Advocate' would be appointed within FEMA to make sure the needs of veterans are addressed during disasters. Additionally, the bill creates new rules to prevent any discrimination based on political affiliation when providing disaster relief and sets up public dashboards so anyone can track how and where disaster money is being spent.