The big news:  Last night the House released its $81 billion disaster aid package.  According to Politico, it is the largest single funding request for natural calamities in U.S. history and nearly doubles the White House’s request for $44 billion. The expectation is that the bill (HR 4667 by Rep. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey) will be approved this Continue reading

Congress The conference committee created to resolve differences between the House and Senate bills met today. The DHRC sent a letter to the conference committee and all other congressional offices outlining the DHRC’s concerns about the possible impact on disaster recovery. The committee is expected to finish their work this week, with votes in the Continue reading

CONGRESS Calls are needed in advance of Wednesday’s Conference Committee on tax reform legislation. The NLIHC delivered a letter to members of the conference committee.  It raises concerns that proposals in the tax reform bill could impact disaster recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Continue reading

General Updates Letters to Governors. As you know, Governors from impacted states will play a critical role in shaping the next disaster supplemental, which will likely be tied to a final spending bill near the end of the year. All organizations – and especially those located in impacted areas – are encouraged to share the Continue reading

CONGRESS FEMA Funding Hearing. The Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the House Appropriations Committee held an oversight hearing regarding FEMA supplemental appropriations. FEMA Administrator Brock Long was the sole witness. Mr. Long answered questions regarding FEMA’s response to the recent disasters as well as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s new request for additional Continue reading