H.R. the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter I've sent to Chairman DeFazio of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding H.R. 2020, the ``Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act,'' sponsored by Representative Gonzalez-Colon. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, June 21, 2022. Hon. Peter A. DeFazio, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman DeFazio: I write concerning H.R. 2020, the ``Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act,'' sponsored by Representative Gonzalez-Colon. The Financial Services Committee received an additional referral on this bill but has not formally foregone any further consideration of the bill because we were unfortunately not given sufficient time to review it prior to it being brought to the floor on suspension. While I support the apparent purpose of this legislation, I am concerned that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have not been consulted for their opinion or technical drafting assistance on this legislation when they will play key roles in implementing this bill.

I have shared the text of this legislation with both HUD and FEMA and requested their input. I would appreciate your cooperation in addressing any concerns from these agencies and integrating any technical drafting changes they suggest as you work to move this bill in the Senate. My staff will be in touch as they receive feedback from these agencies.

I will be submitting a copy of this letter in the Congressional Record and I look forward to working with you on this and other issues where our Committees cross paths. Sincerely, Maxine Waters, Chairwoman.

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