Bill · H.R. 8291· House(119-HR-8291)
Reforming Disaster Recovery Act
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Al Green
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This legislation creates the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act to establish a dedicated Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund within the U.S. Treasury. It authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants through a community development block grant disaster recovery program for major disasters. The bill sets up a formula allocation method, public comment periods, and rules for how states, local governments, and Indian tribes can use the funds. It also creates an Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to oversee preparedness and response. Finally, it outlines strict rules for financial controls, reporting, data sharing across agencies, and environmental reviews.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+8
The bill prioritizes the needs of extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households in disaster recovery and housing transitions.
Does this make housing cost less?+7
The bill specifically aims to increase the stock of affordable and rental housing through disaster recovery grants.
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?+5
The bill prioritizes assistance for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households to aid their recovery.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Assistance for Vulnerable Populations: Section 6 adds new requirements and definitions to prioritize individuals with extremely low, low, and moderate incomes, ensuring that a significant portion of grant funds are directed toward those with the most severe housing and community development needs.
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Preliminary Funding for Speedier Recovery: Section 6 (establishing Section 123(a)(7) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) allows the Secretary to award preliminary grants of up to $5,000,000 before a formal catastrophic determination is made, helping communities quickly evaluate interim and permanent housing needs and reduce fraud.
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Disaster Mitigation and Risk Reduction: Section 6 (establishing Section 123(a)(5)(B)(iii) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) provides an additional amount of up to 30 percent of unmet needs specifically for activities that reduce risks of loss from future natural disasters, focusing on protecting low- and moderate-income persons.
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Public Transparency and Oversight: Section 6 (establishing Section 123(e)(4) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) requires the Secretary to post summary status reports on a public-facing dashboard, giving citizens clear visibility into the status of funds, spending thresholds, and accomplishments.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Grant Suspension for Missed Targets: Section 6 (establishing Section 123(e)(3) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) grants the Secretary the authority to temporarily suspend grants if a recipient fails to meet critical performance targets and spending thresholds, which could delay ongoing relief efforts in distressed communities.
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Strict Duplication of Benefits Penalties: Section 6 (establishing Section 123(h)(4) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) enforces strict penalties and repayment obligations for grantees or individuals if grant funds result in a prohibited duplication of benefits with other federal programs like FEMA.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+8Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For Middle Class Households+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+7Improves Poverty Reduction+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges+5Improves Environmental Protections+4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+4Improves Small Business Support+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 8/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Judy ChuDemocrat · California
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan