Bill would stop FEMA from cutting aid when disaster victims have insurance
In committeeH.R. 2254Latest action
Sponsor: Laura Friedman · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Don’t Penalize Victims Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2254 would remove a rule that lets FEMA reduce disaster aid when victims receive money from insurance or charities.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2254 removes the phrase "or any other source" from federal disaster relief law, limiting when FEMA can reduce a person's assistance based on money received from outside sources. Under current law, payments from insurance companies, nonprofits, or other outside sources can trigger a reduction in federal disaster aid. This bill would change that one rule without altering the broader disaster relief program.
Who does it affect?
The change would most directly affect homeowners, renters, and business owners in federally declared disaster zones who also carry insurance or receive charitable donations. People who receive disaster aid through FEMA are the primary group affected by the existing offset rule.
Why does it matter?
The current law was designed to prevent people from being compensated twice for the same loss. Critics argue the rule penalizes victims who carried insurance or received charitable help, while supporters of the existing law contend it guards against duplicate payments.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 21, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 21, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.