Rep. Hernandez Introduces Bill to Stop FEMA From Using Spending Limits to Delay Disaster Aid
The Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It is considered active, but no further committee hearings or votes have been scheduled at this time.
Farmers and ranchers in areas hit by major disasters like floods, hurricanes, or wildfires could see faster recovery of public infrastructure they depend on — like rural roads and irrigation systems — if FEMA funds are disbursed without arbitrary dollar-amount bottlenecks.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Introduced as H.R. 7829, the bill aims to prohibit the DHS Secretary from imposing arbitrary monetary thresholds on disaster relief. The legislation responds to delays in critical projects, such as a $120 million cemetery relocation in Lares, caused by extra layers of federal approval.
The Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026 addresses a DHS policy that slowed the awarding of grants and contracts for recovery from Hurricane Maria and Fiona. The bill is co-sponsored by 12 members of Congress, including Rep. Tim Kennedy, the ranking member of the Emergency Management Subcommittee.
During a visit to Adjuntas, Resident Commissioner Hernández discussed the Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026, highlighting how the legislation would ensure recovery funds reach communities faster by removing bureaucratic hurdles in the FEMA disbursement process.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Disaster Aid Without Delay Act of 2026
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