Congressional Record, Volume 168 Issue 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)

[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.

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.

[[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.

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.

SEC. 6. GAO REPORT ON GAPS.

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.

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

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

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

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.

____________________