With NACo’s urging, the House approved, by voice vote, H.R. 2903, the FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2012. The legislation reauthorizes $3.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through FY 2014. From the NACo legislative bulletin:

During floor deliberations on the bill, House members highlighted NACo’s support for Sections 102, 201, 202, 209, 212, 213, and 217 of the legislation. Collectively, these sections authorize the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and FEMA Debris Removal Pilot Program, establish a FEMA Public Assistance Pilot Program, and reauthorizes the Urban Search and Rescue Response System, the Emergency Management Assistance Compact Grants, and the National Dam Safety Program until 2014.

The Senate has yet to author companion legislation, but NACo will continue to urge Congress to act swiftly and enact the above mentioned provisions in H.R. 2903 prior to the adjournment of the 112th Congress.

For more information, contact  Dalen A. Harris of the NACo staff.