US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB459

Introduced
1/15/25  

Caption

Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act or the STAND ActThis bill prohibits the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development from obligating or expending federal funds for bilateral, multilateral, or humanitarian non-defense foreign assistance within the first 60 days following a presidentially declared major disaster. The prohibition may be waived if a joint resolution of Congress providing for such a waiver is enacted into law. 

Impact

This bill, if enacted, would significantly alter the United States' approach to international aid, particularly in the context of natural disasters. It prioritizes domestic over foreign assistance in situations where federal disaster declarations are made, reflecting a shift towards focusing resources on recovery and support for affected Americans. While proponents argue this measure can help ensure that resources are effectively directed towards national recovery efforts, it potentially risks America's role in global humanitarian response.

Summary

House Bill 459, known as the STAND Act (Securing Taxpayer Assistance during Natural Disasters Act), proposes to withhold all forms of non-defense foreign assistance from being allocated for a period of 60 days following a disaster declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The primary aim of this legislation is to ensure that federal funds are not obligated to international assistance during a time when domestic responses to disasters may be more pressing and critical.

Contention

Notably, the bill carries the potential for substantial debate regarding its implications for global humanitarian efforts and relationships with foreign nations. Critics may argue that withholding aid during certain disaster situations can exacerbate humanitarian crises abroad and undermine U.S. leadership in global disaster response. Additionally, the waiver provision included in the bill, allowing a joint resolution to override the withholding, introduces a layer of legislative complexity that can lead to political disagreements over what constitutes necessary assistance.

Congress_id

119-HR-459

Policy_area

Emergency Management

Introduced_date

2025-01-15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB316

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.

US SR672

A resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should prioritize bilateral security partnerships over multilateral security partnerships and institutions.

US HB4734

Relating to the operation of certain vehicles preceding, during, and following disasters.

US SB497

Relating to the operation of certain vehicles preceding, during, and following disasters.

US HB437

Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage Act of 2025 or the SNOW Act of 2025This bill authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation and requires FEMA rulemaking to expand assistance for winter storms. It also increases the federal cost share for various FEMA grants, for any hazard type, in rural or disadvantaged areas.The bill specifically authorizes the use of grant funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to reduce the risk of future damage in areas affected by winter storms, such as by acquiring snow removal equipment. Also, under current FEMA policy, in determining eligibility and recommending a presidential major disaster declaration for a snowstorm, FEMA’s considerations include whether data shows record (or near record) snowfall and whether estimated statewide costs meet applicable thresholds. The bill requires FEMA to create regulations waiving these eligibility requirements for a major disaster declaration for a snowstorm in certain circumstances. FEMA must also create regulations to provide certain assistance for winter storms, including for debris removal and specified infrastructure, as well as individual and emergency assistance when the state determines the storm exceeds state and local capacity. In addition, for any hazard type, the bill requires FEMA to increase the federal cost share from 75% to 90% for certain assistance provided in rural or disadvantaged areas. It also authorizes an increased HMGP federal cost share amount from 75% to 90% for assistance in rural or disadvantaged areas. 

US HB426

Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act

US SJR22

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR25

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR21

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

US SJR27

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of certain defense articles and services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.