[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5141-S5144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FEMA IMPROVEMENT, REFORM, AND EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2022

  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to Calendar No. 482, S. 3092.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 3092) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve the provision 
     of certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs, with an amendment to strike all after the 
enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof the following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``FEMA Improvement, Reform, 
     and Efficiency Act of 2022'' or the ``FIRE Act''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of 
     the Agency;
       (2) the term ``Agency'' means the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency;
       (3) the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; 
     and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (4) the term ``emergency'' means an emergency declared or 
     determined to exist by the President under section 501 of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5191);
       (5) the terms ``Indian tribal government'', ``local 
     government'', and ``State'' have the meanings given such 
     terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); and
       (6) the term ``major disaster'' means a major disaster 
     declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170).

     SEC. 3. REPORT ON RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a 
     report regarding the use of relocation assistance under 
     sections 203, 404, and 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5170c, 
     5172) for wildfire risk to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress.
       (b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) Any information on relocation projects that have been 
     carried out due to fire risks or denied by the Agency, 
     including the number and value of projects either carried out 
     or denied.
       (2) A discussion of the possible benefits or disadvantages 
     of providing relocation assistance that may reduce, but not 
     eliminate, the risk of loss due to wildfires.
       (3) A discussion of how the Agency may optimize relocation 
     assistance when entire States or geographic areas are 
     considered subject to a fire risk.
       (4) An analysis of whether other mitigation measures are 
     more cost-effective than relocation assistance when the 
     applicant is applying to move from a high-risk to a medium-
     risk or low-risk area with respect to wildfires.
       (5) An analysis of the need for the Federal Government to 
     produce wildfire maps that identify high-risk, moderate-risk, 
     and low-risk wildfire zones.
       (6) An analysis of whether other mitigation measures 
     promote greater resilience to wildfires when compared to 
     relocation or, if additional data is required in order to 
     carry out such an analysis, a discussion of the additional 
     data required.
       (7) A discussion of the ability of States, local 
     governments, and Indian tribal governments to demonstrate 
     fire risk, and whether the level of this ability impacts the 
     ability of States, local governments, or Indian tribal 
     governments to access relocation assistance, including an 
     assessment of existing fire mapping products and capabilities 
     and recommendations on redressing any gaps in the ability of 
     the Agency to assist States, local governments, and Indian 
     tribal governments in demonstrating fire risk.
       (8) An evaluation of--
       (A) the scope of the data available to the Agency regarding 
     historical wildfire losses;
       (B) how such data is utilized in benefit-cost analysis 
     determinations by the Agency;
       (C) what additional data, if any, may be pertinent to such 
     determinations; and
       (D) what, if any, alternative methods may be relevant to 
     the determination of cost effectiveness.
       (9) A discussion of the extent to which the decision 
     process for relocation assistance appropriately considers the 
     change in future risks for wildfires due to a changing 
     climate.
       (10) An analysis of whether statutes and regulations 
     regarding relocation assistance by the Agency present 
     barriers for States, local governments, or Indian tribal 
     governments trying to access funding to reduce wildfire risk.
       (11) An analysis of--
       (A) how, if at all, the Agency has modified policies and 
     procedures to determine the eligibility of proposed 
     relocation or mitigation projects with respect to wildfires;
       (B) the cost effectiveness of such projects, in light of 
     the increasing losses and obligations for wildfires in recent 
     years; and
       (C) the effectiveness of any modifications described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       (12) An analysis of how, if at all, recent changes in the 
     availability of fire insurance has resulted in modifications 
     of policy or procedure with respect to determining the cost 
     efficacy of relocation assistance for wildfires.
       (13) An analysis of how to define repetitive loss and 
     repetitively damaged properties in the context of wildfires.
       (14) A discussion of whether any legislative, regulatory, 
     or policy changes are necessary for the Agency to better 
     implement relocation assistance to reduce risk from 
     wildfires.
       (15) Other related issues that the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 4. RED FLAG WARNINGS AND PREDISASTER ACTIONS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the National 
     Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, shall--
       (1) conduct a study of, develop recommendations for, and 
     initiate a process for the use of Red Flag Warnings and 
     similar weather alert and notification methods, including the 
     use of emerging technologies, to establish--
       (A) plans and actions, consistent with law, that can be 
     implemented prior to a wildfire event, including pre-impact 
     disaster declarations and surge operations, that can limit 
     the impact, duration, or severity of the fire; and
       (B) mechanisms to increase interagency collaboration to 
     expedite the delivery of disaster assistance; and
       (2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     comprehensive report regarding the study described in 
     paragraph (1), including any recommendations of the 
     Administrator, and the activities of the Administrator to 
     carry out paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5. ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE DAMAGE.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding--
       (1) the application for assistance and consistency of 
     assistance provided by the Agency in response to wildfires; 
     and
       (2) the kinds of damage that result from wildfires.

     SEC. 6. GAO REPORT ON GAPS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     that examines--
       (1) gaps in the policies of the Agency related to 
     wildfires, when compared to other hazards;
       (2) disparities in regulations and guidance issued by the 
     Administrator, including any oversight of the programs of the 
     Agency, when addressing impacts of wildfires and other 
     hazards;
       (3) ways to shorten the period of time between the 
     initiating of and the distribution of assistance, 
     reimbursements, and grants;
       (4) the effectiveness of the programs of the Agency in 
     addressing wildfire hazards;
       (5) ways to improve the ability of the Agency to assist 
     States, local governments, and Indian tribal governments to 
     prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against 
     wildfire hazards;
       (6) revising the application process for assistance 
     relating to wildfires to more effectively assess uninsured 
     and underinsured losses and serious needs; and
       (7) ways to improve the disaster assistance programs of 
     agencies other than the Agency.

     SEC. 7. CRISIS COUNSELING CULTURAL COMPETENCY.

       Section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The President'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The President''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Cultural Competency.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing professional counseling services to 
     victims of a major disaster as authorized under subsection 
     (a), including those working for nonprofit partners and 
     recovery organizations, is appropriately trained to address--
       ``(1) cultural competency and respectful care practices; 
     and
       ``(2) impacts from major disasters in communities, and to 
     individuals, with socio-economically disadvantaged 
     backgrounds.''.

     SEC. 8. CASE MANAGEMENT CULTURAL COMPETENCY.

       Section 426 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189d) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The President'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The President''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Cultural Competency.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing case management services to victims 
     of a major disaster as authorized under subsection (a), 
     including those working for nonprofit partners and recovery 
     organizations, is appropriately trained to address--
       ``(1) cultural competency and respectful care practices; 
     and
       ``(2) impacts from major disasters in communities, and to 
     individuals, with socio-economically disadvantaged 
     backgrounds.''.

     SEC. 9. STUDY AND PLAN FOR DISASTER HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--

[[Page S5142]]

       (1) conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with 
     law, under which the Agency will address providing housing 
     assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies 
     when presented with challenges such as--
       (A) the lack of proof of ownership or ownership 
     documentation;
       (B) the presence of multiple families within a single 
     household; and
       (C) the near loss of a community, with the majority of 
     homes destroyed in that community, including as a result of a 
     wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing a major 
     disaster; and
       (2) make recommendations for legislative changes needed to 
     address--
       (A) the unmet needs of survivors of major disasters or 
     emergencies who are unable to document or prove ownership of 
     the household;
       (B) the presence of multiple families within a single 
     household; and
       (C) the near loss of a community, with the majority of 
     homes destroyed in that community, including as a result of a 
     wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing a major 
     disaster.
       (b) Comprehensive Report.--The Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
     provides a detailed discussion of the plans developed under 
     subsection (a)(1) and the recommendations of the 
     Administrator under subsection (a)(2).
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after submission of 
     the report and recommendations under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on the findings and any recommendations made 
     pursuant to this section.

     SEC. 10. REIMBURSEMENT.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding the extent to which the Agency is using 
     housing solutions proposed by a State or local government to 
     reduce the time or cost required to implement housing 
     solutions after a major disaster.

     SEC. 11. WILDFIRE INSURANCE STUDY BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to 
     conduct a study of--
       (A) potential solutions to address the availability and 
     affordability of insurance for wildfire perils in all regions 
     of the United States, including consideration of a national 
     all natural hazards insurance program;
       (B) the ability of States, communities, and individuals to 
     mitigate wildfire risks, including the affordability and 
     feasibility of such mitigation activities;
       (C) the current and potential future effects of land use 
     policies and building codes on the potential solutions;
       (D) the reasons why many properties at risk of wildfire 
     lack insurance coverage;
       (E) the role of insurers in providing incentives for 
     wildfire risk mitigation efforts;
       (F) the state of catastrophic insurance and reinsurance 
     markets and the approaches in providing insurance protection 
     to different sectors of the population of the United States;
       (G) the role of the Federal Government and State and local 
     governments in providing incentives for feasible wildfire 
     risk mitigation efforts and the cost of providing assistance 
     in the absence of insurance;
       (H) the state of modeling and mapping wildfire risk and 
     solutions for accurately and adequately identifying future 
     wildfire risk;
       (I) approaches to insuring wildfire risk in the United 
     States; and
       (J) such other issues that may be necessary or appropriate 
     for the report.
       (2) Consultation.--The agreement to conduct the study 
     described in subsection (a) shall require that, in conducting 
     the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall consult 
     with State insurance regulators, consumer organizations, 
     representatives of the insurance and reinsurance industry, 
     policyholders, and other organizations and experts, as 
     appropriate.
       (b) Submission.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress the results of the study commissioned under 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 12. INCREASED CAP FOR EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS BASED ON 
                   REGIONAL COST OF LIVING.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding the benefits and drawbacks of 
     establishing a maximum amount for assistance provided for an 
     emergency that is based on the cost of living in the region 
     in which the emergency occurs.

     SEC. 13. FACILITATING DISPOSAL OF TEMPORARY TRANSPORTABLE 
                   HOUSING UNITS TO SURVIVORS.

       Section 408(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5174(d)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, with priority 
     given to a survivor of a major disaster who suffered a 
     property loss as a result of the major disaster'' after ``any 
     person''.

     SEC. 14. DEADLINE ON CODE ENFORCEMENT AND MANAGEMENT COST 
                   ELIGIBILITY.

       Section 406(a)(2)(D) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)(D)) 
     is amended by striking ``180 days'' and inserting ``1 year''.

     SEC. 15. PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR TRIBAL UPGRADES TO EMERGENCY 
                   OPERATIONS CENTERS.

       Section 614(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196c(a)) is amended 
     by inserting ``and Indian tribal governments'' after ``grants 
     to States''.

  Mr. PADILLA. I further ask that the Padilla amendment, which is at 
the desk, be considered and agreed to, the committee-reported 
substitute amendment, as amended, be agreed to; the bill, as amended, 
be considered read a third time and passed; and the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no 
intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 5934) was agreed to, as follows:

                     (Purpose: To improve the bill)

       On page 19, line 16, strike ``Red Flag'' and all that 
     follows through ``technologies,'' on line 18 and insert 
     ``forecasts and data, including information that supports the 
     Red Flag Warnings of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration and similar weather alert and notification 
     methods,''.
       On page 21, line 19, strike ``cultural competency'' and 
     insert ``effective communication''.
       On page 22, strike lines 2 through 15 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(b) Effective Communication.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing professional counseling services to 
     victims of a major disaster as authorized under subsection 
     (a), including those working for nonprofit partners and 
     recovery organizations, is appropriately trained to address 
     impacts from major disasters in communities, and to 
     individuals, with socio-economically disadvantaged 
     backgrounds.''.

     SEC. 8. CASE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.

       On page 22, strike line 23 and all that follows through 
     page 23, line 9, and insert the following:
       ``(b) Effective Communication.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing case management services to victims 
     of a major disaster as authorized under subsection (a), 
     including those working for nonprofit partners and recovery 
     organizations, is appropriately trained to address impacts 
     from major disasters in communities, and to individuals, with 
     socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.''.
       On page 25, strike line 8 and all that follows through page 
     27, line 8, and insert the following:

     SEC. 11. INCREASED CAP FOR EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS BASED ON 
                   REGIONAL COST OF LIVING.

       On page 27, strike lines 15 and 16 and insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 12. FACILITATING DISPOSAL OF TEMPORARY TRANSPORTABLE 
                   HOUSING UNITS TO SURVIVORS.

       On page 28, strike lines 1 through 12 and insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 13. DEADLINE ON CODE ENFORCEMENT AND MANAGEMENT COST 
                   ELIGIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 406(a)(2)(D) of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ``180 days'' and 
     inserting ``1 year''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 14. PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR TRIBAL UPGRADES TO EMERGENCY 
                   OPERATIONS CENTERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 614(a) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5196c(a)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and Indian tribal governments'' after 
     ``grants to States''; and
       (2) by striking ``State and local'' and inserting ``State, 
     local, and Tribal''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
  The committee-reported amendment, in the nature of a substitute, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 3092), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows:

                                S. 3092

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``FEMA Improvement, Reform, 
     and Efficiency Act of 2022'' or the ``FIRE Act''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of 
     the Agency;
       (2) the term ``Agency'' means the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency;
       (3) the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
     Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; 
     and
       (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives;

[[Page S5143]]

       (4) the term ``emergency'' means an emergency declared or 
     determined to exist by the President under section 501 of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5191);
       (5) the terms ``Indian tribal government'', ``local 
     government'', and ``State'' have the meanings given such 
     terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); and
       (6) the term ``major disaster'' means a major disaster 
     declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170).

     SEC. 3. REPORT ON RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a 
     report regarding the use of relocation assistance under 
     sections 203, 404, and 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5170c, 
     5172) for wildfire risk to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress.
       (b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       (1) Any information on relocation projects that have been 
     carried out due to fire risks or denied by the Agency, 
     including the number and value of projects either carried out 
     or denied.
       (2) A discussion of the possible benefits or disadvantages 
     of providing relocation assistance that may reduce, but not 
     eliminate, the risk of loss due to wildfires.
       (3) A discussion of how the Agency may optimize relocation 
     assistance when entire States or geographic areas are 
     considered subject to a fire risk.
       (4) An analysis of whether other mitigation measures are 
     more cost-effective than relocation assistance when the 
     applicant is applying to move from a high-risk to a medium-
     risk or low-risk area with respect to wildfires.
       (5) An analysis of the need for the Federal Government to 
     produce wildfire maps that identify high-risk, moderate-risk, 
     and low-risk wildfire zones.
       (6) An analysis of whether other mitigation measures 
     promote greater resilience to wildfires when compared to 
     relocation or, if additional data is required in order to 
     carry out such an analysis, a discussion of the additional 
     data required.
       (7) A discussion of the ability of States, local 
     governments, and Indian tribal governments to demonstrate 
     fire risk, and whether the level of this ability impacts the 
     ability of States, local governments, or Indian tribal 
     governments to access relocation assistance, including an 
     assessment of existing fire mapping products and capabilities 
     and recommendations on redressing any gaps in the ability of 
     the Agency to assist States, local governments, and Indian 
     tribal governments in demonstrating fire risk.
       (8) An evaluation of--
       (A) the scope of the data available to the Agency regarding 
     historical wildfire losses;
       (B) how such data is utilized in benefit-cost analysis 
     determinations by the Agency;
       (C) what additional data, if any, may be pertinent to such 
     determinations; and
       (D) what, if any, alternative methods may be relevant to 
     the determination of cost effectiveness.
       (9) A discussion of the extent to which the decision 
     process for relocation assistance appropriately considers the 
     change in future risks for wildfires due to a changing 
     climate.
       (10) An analysis of whether statutes and regulations 
     regarding relocation assistance by the Agency present 
     barriers for States, local governments, or Indian tribal 
     governments trying to access funding to reduce wildfire risk.
       (11) An analysis of--
       (A) how, if at all, the Agency has modified policies and 
     procedures to determine the eligibility of proposed 
     relocation or mitigation projects with respect to wildfires;
       (B) the cost effectiveness of such projects, in light of 
     the increasing losses and obligations for wildfires in recent 
     years; and
       (C) the effectiveness of any modifications described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       (12) An analysis of how, if at all, recent changes in the 
     availability of fire insurance has resulted in modifications 
     of policy or procedure with respect to determining the cost 
     efficacy of relocation assistance for wildfires.
       (13) An analysis of how to define repetitive loss and 
     repetitively damaged properties in the context of wildfires.
       (14) A discussion of whether any legislative, regulatory, 
     or policy changes are necessary for the Agency to better 
     implement relocation assistance to reduce risk from 
     wildfires.
       (15) Other related issues that the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 4. RED FLAG WARNINGS AND PREDISASTER ACTIONS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the National 
     Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, shall--
       (1) conduct a study of, develop recommendations for, and 
     initiate a process for the use of forecasts and data, 
     including information that supports the Red Flag Warnings of 
     the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and 
     similar weather alert and notification methods, to 
     establish--
       (A) plans and actions, consistent with law, that can be 
     implemented prior to a wildfire event, including pre-impact 
     disaster declarations and surge operations, that can limit 
     the impact, duration, or severity of the fire; and
       (B) mechanisms to increase interagency collaboration to 
     expedite the delivery of disaster assistance; and
       (2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     comprehensive report regarding the study described in 
     paragraph (1), including any recommendations of the 
     Administrator, and the activities of the Administrator to 
     carry out paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5. ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE DAMAGE.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding--
       (1) the application for assistance and consistency of 
     assistance provided by the Agency in response to wildfires; 
     and
       (2) the kinds of damage that result from wildfires.

     SEC. 6. GAO REPORT ON GAPS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     that examines--
       (1) gaps in the policies of the Agency related to 
     wildfires, when compared to other hazards;
       (2) disparities in regulations and guidance issued by the 
     Administrator, including any oversight of the programs of the 
     Agency, when addressing impacts of wildfires and other 
     hazards;
       (3) ways to shorten the period of time between the 
     initiating of and the distribution of assistance, 
     reimbursements, and grants;
       (4) the effectiveness of the programs of the Agency in 
     addressing wildfire hazards;
       (5) ways to improve the ability of the Agency to assist 
     States, local governments, and Indian tribal governments to 
     prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against 
     wildfire hazards;
       (6) revising the application process for assistance 
     relating to wildfires to more effectively assess uninsured 
     and underinsured losses and serious needs; and
       (7) ways to improve the disaster assistance programs of 
     agencies other than the Agency.

     SEC. 7. CRISIS COUNSELING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.

       Section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5183) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The President'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The President''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Effective Communication.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing professional counseling services to 
     victims of a major disaster as authorized under subsection 
     (a), including those working for nonprofit partners and 
     recovery organizations, is appropriately trained to address 
     impacts from major disasters in communities, and to 
     individuals, with socio-economically disadvantaged 
     backgrounds.''.

     SEC. 8. CASE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.

       Section 426 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189d) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The President'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The President''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Effective Communication.--The President shall, in 
     consultation with affected States, local governments, and 
     Indian tribal governments and cultural experts, ensure that 
     any individual providing case management services to victims 
     of a major disaster as authorized under subsection (a), 
     including those working for nonprofit partners and recovery 
     organizations, is appropriately trained to address impacts 
     from major disasters in communities, and to individuals, with 
     socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.''.

     SEC. 9. STUDY AND PLAN FOR DISASTER HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
       (1) conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with 
     law, under which the Agency will address providing housing 
     assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies 
     when presented with challenges such as--
       (A) the lack of proof of ownership or ownership 
     documentation;
       (B) the presence of multiple families within a single 
     household; and
       (C) the near loss of a community, with the majority of 
     homes destroyed in that community, including as a result of a 
     wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing a major 
     disaster; and
       (2) make recommendations for legislative changes needed to 
     address--
       (A) the unmet needs of survivors of major disasters or 
     emergencies who are unable to document or prove ownership of 
     the household;
       (B) the presence of multiple families within a single 
     household; and
       (C) the near loss of a community, with the majority of 
     homes destroyed in that community, including as a result of a 
     wildfire, earthquake, or other event causing a major 
     disaster.

[[Page S5144]]

       (b) Comprehensive Report.--The Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
     provides a detailed discussion of the plans developed under 
     subsection (a)(1) and the recommendations of the 
     Administrator under subsection (a)(2).
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after submission of 
     the report and recommendations under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on the findings and any recommendations made 
     pursuant to this section.

     SEC. 10. REIMBURSEMENT.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding the extent to which the Agency is using 
     housing solutions proposed by a State or local government to 
     reduce the time or cost required to implement housing 
     solutions after a major disaster.

     SEC. 11. INCREASED CAP FOR EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS BASED ON 
                   REGIONAL COST OF LIVING.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
     of Congress regarding the benefits and drawbacks of 
     establishing a maximum amount for assistance provided for an 
     emergency that is based on the cost of living in the region 
     in which the emergency occurs.

     SEC. 12. FACILITATING DISPOSAL OF TEMPORARY TRANSPORTABLE 
                   HOUSING UNITS TO SURVIVORS.

       Section 408(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5174(d)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, with priority 
     given to a survivor of a major disaster who suffered a 
     property loss as a result of the major disaster'' after ``any 
     person''.

     SEC. 13. DEADLINE ON CODE ENFORCEMENT AND MANAGEMENT COST 
                   ELIGIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 406(a)(2)(D) of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ``180 days'' and 
     inserting ``1 year''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 14. PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR TRIBAL UPGRADES TO EMERGENCY 
                   OPERATIONS CENTERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 614(a) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5196c(a)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and Indian tribal governments'' after 
     ``grants to States''; and
       (2) by striking ``State and local'' and inserting ``State, 
     local, and Tribal''.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to discuss and explain the 
matter we just took action on. It is relative to wildfires. All across 
the Western United States, historic wildfires continue to grow both 
more frequent and more severe. Every year, in recent years, entire 
communities have been destroyed by wildfires in a matter of hours. We 
have seen this in California, New Mexico, and Colorado. Families are 
forced to flee with only the belongings they could quickly pack into 
their vehicles.
  Last year, I visited the incident command center in Quincy, CA, to 
see firsthand the real-time response to the devastating Dixie fire. 
Separately, I met with local leaders in Santa Rosa, CA, to hear about 
problems with recovery from previous catastrophic wildfires.
  So my bill--the bill we just took action on, the FEMA Improvement, 
Reform, and Efficiency Act or the FIRE Act--will help ensure FEMA 
better addresses the unique and increasing danger of wildfires.
  FEMA's current procedures and requirements don't always work for 
postwildfire recovery needs. And this bill will close those gaps.
  I give a lot of credit to FEMA. They have gotten pretty good at 
anticipating and responding to other types of disasters. We are seeing 
it, as we speak, with the hurricane impact in Florida. They do the same 
with tornadoes, floods, other disasters.
  In all these scenarios, we know that it begins with preparation. The 
FIRE Act will begin the process of allowing FEMA to predeploy resources 
during times of extremely high risk. In the West, we know it as red 
flag warnings.
  When it is hot, conditions are dry, and the wind kicks up, it is a 
recipe for disaster. And so to have FEMA be able to deploy in advance--
just as they do already during hurricane warnings, as we are seeing in 
Florida at this very moment--is a smart thing to do.
  Then, as communities rebuild after a devastating wildfire, this bill 
will work to ensure that FEMA takes wildfire-specific issues into 
account, like melted infrastructure and burned trees. It will also help 
local governments work with FEMA to more effectively relocate critical 
infrastructure away from fire-prone areas.
  Now, in the aftermath of a fire, the bill will help provide better 
housing assistance, case management, and crisis counseling for 
survivors with a focus on equity for underserved communities and Tribal 
governments. Oftentimes these underserved communities and Tribal 
governments suffer the disproportionate impact of these wildfires.
  So with the FIRE Act, we will be able to better prepare for and 
respond to the unique challenges of wildfires in California and 
throughout the Western United States.
  The FIRE Act passed out of the Homeland Security and Governmental 
Affairs Committee by a voice vote on February 2 of this year. And I 
want to take a moment to thank both Chairman Peters and Ranking Member 
Portman and their staffs who contributed to this bill, as well as our 
partners at FEMA.
  This is an overdue, commonsense bill to help communities on the 
frontlines of our wildfire crisis. And I thank my colleagues for 
joining me in supporting it.
  With that, I yield the floor.

                          ____________________