Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Improving Disaster Assistance for Veterans Act" amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to mandate the designation of a Veteran Advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This Advocate will ensure fair treatment for veterans in disaster assistance, participating in declaration processes to address their needs and serving as the primary contact for veterans service organizations. The role also involves identifying opportunities for veteran recruitment into FEMA employment, including reservist positions. Importantly, this Act clarifies that it does not authorize any new forms of major disaster or emergency assistance, but rather enhances advocacy for veterans within existing frameworks.
The "Improving Disaster Assistance for Veterans Act" amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to mandate the designation of a Veteran Advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This Advocate will ensure fair treatment for veterans in disaster assistance, participating in declaration processes to address their needs and serving as the primary contact for veterans service organizations. The role also involves identifying opportunities for veteran recruitment into FEMA employment, including reservist positions. Importantly, this Act clarifies that it does not authorize any new forms of major disaster or emergency assistance, but rather enhances advocacy for veterans within existing frameworks.