H.R. 5794: FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025

This bill, titled the FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025, aims to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue its disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation operations without interruption during periods when the government experiences a lapse in appropriations (commonly known as a government shutdown). Below is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Continuation of FEMA Operations

The bill grants the Administrator of FEMA the authority to:

1. Continue all operations related to disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation that are funded through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
2. Obligate and disburse funds from the DRF for both existing and future disaster declarations. This includes various types of assistance as outlined in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
3. Maintain the necessary personnel and contract support to ensure that claims and payments are processed without interruption.

Use of the Disaster Relief Fund

Availability

The bill specifies that any unobligated balances in the Disaster Relief Fund will remain available for the Administrator's use during any lapses in appropriations.

Prohibition on Diversion

No funds from the Disaster Relief Fund may be withheld, sequestered, or reprogrammed during a lapse in appropriations, with the sole exception being compliance with the provisions of the 'Anti-Deficiency Act'.

Exception from Government Shutdown Restrictions

The bill asserts that FEMA's operations, as authorized under this act, are considered essential for protecting human life and property. Therefore, these operations would be exempt from shutdown restrictions related to the Anti-Deficiency Act.

Overall Purpose

The overarching purpose of this legislation is to ensure that disaster relief efforts and essential services provided by FEMA can continue without interruption, even in the case of government funding issues.

Relevant Companies

None found.