H.R. 2950: Disaster Relief Transparency Act

This bill, known as the Disaster Relief Transparency Act, aims to enhance transparency concerning disaster relief funding managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of HUD to prepare and submit a report that details how funds are allocated through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program and the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program.

Key Provisions

• Methodology Explanation: The report must describe and explain the methodology used by HUD to allocate appropriated funds to various recipients, including states, tribes, territories, and local governments.
• Addressing Allocation Differences: The report should address reasons for any differences in funding allocations across different appropriations.
• Improvement Recommendations: The report should provide legislative and administrative recommendations to improve the consistency and timeliness of these funding allocations.

Reporting Timeline

• First Report: The first report must be submitted no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted, examining the appropriated amounts for the fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
• Subsequent Reports: After the first report, starting in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary must submit a report by the end of each fiscal year, examining the funds appropriated for that specific fiscal year.

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this legislation is to ensure that there is a clearer understanding of how disaster recovery funds are allocated and to identify any inconsistencies or delays in the process. By requiring regular reporting and recommendations, the bill seeks to increase accountability and improve the efficiency of disaster relief efforts.

Relevant Companies

• None found