Bill would bar political bias in federal disaster aid decisions
Passed one chamberH.R. 1342Latest action
Sponsor: Scott Perry · Representative · PA
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Official title: Stopping Political Discrimination in Disaster Assistance Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 1342 adds political affiliation to the Stafford Act's list of factors that cannot influence disaster aid decisions.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill amends the Stafford Act, the federal law governing disaster assistance, to add "political affiliation" to its existing list of banned discrimination factors. It does not create new programs or funding; it simply expands protections to ensure disaster aid is not denied, delayed, or altered based on political party or beliefs.
Who does it affect?
This affects individuals, families, and communities applying for or receiving federal disaster assistance, as well as FEMA and state or local emergency management agencies that distribute that aid.
Why does it matter?
The change legally requires agencies to ensure political affiliation plays no role in disaster aid decisions, reinforcing that aid should be based on need.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.