LaLota’s First Bill Signed Into Law, the Bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement after his bipartisan and bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act was signed into law.

I’m incredibly proud that my bipartisan, bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act has been signed into law. This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and that recovery efforts following natural disasters are free from waste, fraud, and abuse," said LaLota. "Every action Congress takes should prioritize helping the American people, not burdening them. I’m committed to delivering real results, and this law is a testament to that commitment. I will continue fighting for Suffolk County families to ensure accountability and effectiveness in government."

“When our communities get hit by extreme weather, it’s critical that post-disaster services are ready to respond and that needed goods and services to those affected are delivered,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH). “This bipartisan legislation will help tackle spending waste and fraud and improve government efficiency to strengthen disaster preparation and recovery efforts. I’m pleased that this bill has been signed into law to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and communities can recover quickly.”

“This hurricane season brought devastation to families and businesses across the state, but thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud, and abuse following storms. It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “Our bill, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act, will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. I want to thank Representative LaLota for leading the charge in the House of Representatives and my colleagues in the Senate for its bipartisan passage earlier this Congress. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers and I thank President Biden for signing it into law.”

“Clear guidance on debris removal is crucial for communities to recover swiftly from extreme weather events like the ones we’ve seen this year,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “By enhancing coordination between FEMA and our dedicated disaster recovery partners, we can make cleanup efforts more cost-effective and efficient, ultimately helping our communities rebound and thrive quicker. I appreciate Representatives LaLota and Pappas’ work leading this bill in the House and am proud to see it signed into law.”

To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

Background:

The Disaster Contract Improvement Act enhances the efficiency and transparency of disaster recovery efforts, with a particular focus on debris removal. The law requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group comprising representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, state and local governments, the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, tribal governments, and industry experts. This group is tasked with fostering collaboration and streamlining efforts among stakeholders involved in post-disaster recovery, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to assist impacted communities.

In addition to creating the advisory group, the law mandates FEMA to conduct comprehensive outreach and provide clear guidance to state, tribal, and local governments. This includes developing and disseminating support materials to improve their understanding and implementation of debris removal contracts. By prioritizing education and communication, the law ensures that all levels of government are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently in the aftermath of disasters.

Furthermore, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough study on the use of advance contracts for debris removal. This study will evaluate the adoption rates of such contracts by state, tribal, and local governments and identify opportunities to enhance oversight, reduce delays, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The insights gained from this analysis will inform future policy improvements, reinforcing accountability and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.

By addressing key challenges in disaster recovery, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act strengthens the nation’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters, providing critical support to communities when they need it most.

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