Ninth LaLota Bill Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after his bipartisan and bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act passed the House. This bill is the Senate companion to LaLota’s bill.
“This week, the House took a vital step to protect taxpayers and ensure disaster recovery efforts are efficient, transparent, and focused on helping communities in need,” said LaLota. “My bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act will strengthen oversight, prevent waste, and safeguard against fraud in the critical moments following natural disasters. By establishing an advisory group with key agencies and experts, mandating improved guidance for debris removal, and enhancing training and accountability, this bill ensures that resources are used effectively to aid those impacted. I’m proud to see this legislation heading to the President’s desk, where it will soon become law and make a lasting difference for communities recovering from disasters.”
To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.
Background:
The Disaster Contract Improvement Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of disaster recovery efforts, with a particular focus on debris removal. The bill 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 bill 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 bill ensures that all levels of government are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently in the aftermath of disasters.
Furthermore, the 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.