II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1846 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 6, 2005 Ms. Landrieu introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To provide assistance to rebuild communities, schools, and hospitals damaged by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, and for other purposes.

1.

Community disaster loans; public assistance allowable costs

(a)

Definition of local government

In this section: (1)

In general

The term local government means a local government (as defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)), that has suffered a loss of tax or other revenue as a result of a major disaster described in subsection (b). (2)

Inclusion

The term local government includes a sheriff department in the State of Louisiana that has suffered a loss of tax or other revenue as a result of a major disaster described in subsection (b). (b)

Waiver

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no limitation on the amount or percentage of assistance that may be provided in the form of a community disaster loan under section 417(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184(b)) shall apply to any community disaster loan made under section 417 of that Act to assist any local government having jurisdiction over an area in which a major disaster relating to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita was declared to exist by the President in accordance with section 401 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). (c)

Public assistance allowable costs

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no prohibition or limitation on reimbursement of salaries (including section 206.228(a)(4) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)) shall apply with respect to reimbursement of straight- and regular-time salaries of public personnel that provide, on or after August 29, 2005, essential public services in the State of Louisiana on behalf of that State. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.

2.

Funding

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the amounts made available to the Department of Homeland Security under the heading Disaster Relief under the heading EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE of Public Law 109–62 (119 Stat. 1991), not less than $1,500,000,000 shall be available to the heads of the appropriate departments or agencies of the Federal Government to carry out the programs and activities authorized under this Act. (b)

Available until expended

The amounts appropriated under subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.