Congresswoman Rivas Co-Leads Bill to Improve Efficiency of Disaster Recovery After LA Wildfires
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Luz Rivas (CA-29), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), George Whitesides (CA-27), and Laura Friedman (CA-30) introduced the Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government’s disaster recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
“The recent Los Angeles County wildfires claimed lives and caused damage to livelihoods, homes, and businesses that could take years to fully recover from,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “The disaster recovery process seems daunting to anybody, especially to those who just lost everything. Our Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act aims to make navigating federal recovery resources easier and less confusing for those who are impacted by natural disasters so they can focus on getting their lives back together in its aftermath.”
“The unchecked climate crisis is fueling more severe and more frequent natural disasters across our country from the thousand-year flooding in San Diego to some of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs.“These tragedies leave millions of people unhoused, traumatized, and struggling to know where to turn for federal assistance. That’s why I’m so proud to reintroduce the Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act with Reps. George Whitesides, Laura Friedman, and Luz Rivas to begin the process of fixing our broken disaster recovery process. After a horrific tragedy like a flood or a wildfire, no one should be retraumatized and overwhelmed by the process of getting help – and our legislation will help streamline the process and improve the coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal government’s disaster recovery efforts.”
“I’m proud to join my California colleagues in introducing this bill to ensure coordinated federal action during times of disaster recovery,” said Congressman George Whitesides. “We must do everything in our power to cut through red tape, promote collaboration between agencies, and provide steadfast support to those in California as they rebuild from the devastation of wildfires. This bill streamlines government efficiency and strengthens our response to the growing threat of megafires and other natural disasters.”
“With devastating wildfires upending countless Californians, we must do everything possible to help people recover and rebuild quickly and easily,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead the commonsense Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act. Together, we can help get our families and local businesses get back on their feet by cutting red tape and delivering the support they needed.”
Background
Over 30 federal entities currently contribute to the federal government’s response to natural disasters, making it difficult for people who’ve survived a tragedy to navigate this complex process, know which entity provides what kind of support, learn about and comply with differing requirements and deadlines, and more. The Disaster Recovery Efficiency Act requires the FEMA Administrator and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to take steps to address the fragmentation across disaster recovery programs.
###