Fix Our Flooded Basements Act of 2025
Congress Proposes Bill to Expand FEMA Disaster Aid for Flooded Basements and Mold Damage
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill would change how the government helps homeowners after a flood. Currently, FEMA often limits aid for basements because they aren't always considered main living spaces. This bill would require FEMA to pay for basement repairs and mold cleanup even if the room isn't used as a bedroom or essential living area.
- Homeowners would receive financial help to replace personal items kept in basements, such as washers, dryers, and furnaces. It also covers the cost of repairing flooring and carpets to help return the basement to the condition it was in before the disaster happened.
- The bill makes it easier for more people to get Group Flood Insurance. It would allow people who live outside of high-risk flood zones to join the program and ensures that this insurance covers basement damage just as thoroughly as it covers the rest of a house.
- Money spent on fixing basements or paying for flood insurance premiums would not count toward the normal legal limit on how much disaster aid one person can receive. This ensures that families can get help for their basements without losing out on money needed to fix the upper floors of their homes.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Renters who lose personal property stored in flooded basements would be eligible for expanded FEMA assistance to cover replacement costs. The bill requires FEMA to pay for repair or replacement of all personal property in a flood-damaged basement, which often includes items like furniture, tools, and stored belongings that renters keep in basement spaces.
Programs
State Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3625)
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Michigan lawmaker pushes for more disaster aid for flooded basements
Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the 'Fix Our Flooded Basements Act' to force FEMA to expand repair coverage for basements. The bill aims to close gaps in federal aid that currently exclude mitigation for sewage and mold, focusing on making homes 'whole' rather than just providing limited cleanups.
New bill aims to reimburse homeowners for flooded basements
The Fix Our Flooded Basements Act seeks to provide federal disaster relief for basements, which FEMA currently does not cover for damage or mold mitigation. The legislation would also expand eligibility for FEMA's group flood insurance policy to include basement backups and moisture damage.
New bill would require FEMA to repair flood-damaged basements
Legislation introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib would require FEMA to help fix flood-damaged basements, responding to severe flooding in metro Detroit. The bill targets the agency's current policy of excluding basement repairs unless they are considered essential living spaces.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fix Our Flooded Basements Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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