Kilmer, Reichert, and Newhouse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Disaster Assistance to Rural Communities

Statement

December 11, 2015 -- Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand key disaster assistance to rural communities in Washington state and across the country. The Individual Assistance Improvement Act of 2015 would increase opportunities to access the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program.

The Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration.

"From wildfires to mudslides, natural disasters cause significant damage to residents and businesses across our state," said Representative Kilmer. "Folks who have to pick up the pieces after their property is damaged need a helping hand. They shouldn't have to worry about bureaucratic and technical hurdles to getting back on their feet. This bipartisan bill ensures that rural communities in Washington state don't get left out when we need to rebuild after disasters strike."