Representatives Rice and Fletcher Introduce the FEMA Relief Extension Act

Statement

Representatives Tom Rice (R-S.C.) and Lizzie Fletcher (D-T.X.) today introduced the FEMA Relief Extension Act to extend the period of time for individuals and households to receive FEMA assistance following a Presidentially Declared emergency or disaster.

This legislation will amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as well as any corresponding regulation, to extend federal housing assistance to individuals and households from an 18-month period to a 24-month period.

"I hear frequently from South Carolinians about their frustrations with FEMA and the disaster relief process. Oftentimes, it can take months to receive estimates, make repairs, and restore a home to a livable condition following a disaster," said Congressman Tom Rice. "The FEMA Relief Extension Act will give folks who utilize FEMA assistance after a disaster or emergency more flexibility. This legislation adjusts a pressing FEMA deadline to give Americans peace of mind and extra time while recovering."

"When disasters happen, it takes time for people to gain a full understanding of the scope of the damage and the assistance available to them," said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. "I am glad to work with Congressman Rice to introduce legislation that gives victims of natural disasters flexibility when applying for FEMA assistance. From our experience in Houston, we know that extending the application period to give people recovering from disaster more time to secure the assistance they need to rebuild and to prepare for the next storm is one of the most helpful things we can do."

"As communities from South Carolina to the Texas Gulf Coast face unprecedented damage from rising seas and stronger, more frequent storms, it is vital that our disaster relief programs quickly and efficiently provide resources to those who need help most. I thank Congressman Rice and Congresswoman Fletcher for their bipartisan leadership to ensure that disaster victims can access relief through FEMA's Individual Assistance program for longer time frames. We know the road to recovery can be long and difficult, and this bill is an important first step in delivering more comprehensive and effective support in the wake of catastrophic floods,"said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director, American Flood Coalition.

FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) program includes the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). IHP provides financial and/or direct assistance, in the forms of Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance (ONA), to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs resulting from an emergency or major disaster, which cannot be met through other means or forms of assistance.

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