Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, titled the "Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act," requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a new Territorial Disaster Recovery Program. The program's core purpose is to continuously identify, monitor, and address specific factors and capability gaps that hinder the execution and completion of disaster recovery activities by eligible entities within U.S. territories. This initiative acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by territories, such as frequent extreme weather events, economic dependencies, and infrastructure deficiencies, which often lead to prolonged and difficult recovery processes. Under this program, FEMA will be tasked with several key duties, including identifying and analyzing recovery gaps every two years. It will provide tailored technical assistance for grant applications under the Stafford Act, specifically considering challenges like remote locations, cultural differences, language barriers, and limited internet access. Additionally, FEMA will design specialized online and in-person training courses, develop best practices for project administration, and foster meaningful collaboration with local experts and community leaders to ensure locally informed and relevant activities. The Administrator is also required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing identified capability gaps, the nature of technical assistance and training provided, and an analysis of feedback received. A final report will include recommendations on the program's continuation and necessary funding. To support these efforts, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Emergency Management
Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act
USA119th CongressHR-5503| House
| Updated: 9/19/2025
This bill, titled the "Strengthening Capacity for Disaster Resilient Territories Act," requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a new Territorial Disaster Recovery Program. The program's core purpose is to continuously identify, monitor, and address specific factors and capability gaps that hinder the execution and completion of disaster recovery activities by eligible entities within U.S. territories. This initiative acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by territories, such as frequent extreme weather events, economic dependencies, and infrastructure deficiencies, which often lead to prolonged and difficult recovery processes. Under this program, FEMA will be tasked with several key duties, including identifying and analyzing recovery gaps every two years. It will provide tailored technical assistance for grant applications under the Stafford Act, specifically considering challenges like remote locations, cultural differences, language barriers, and limited internet access. Additionally, FEMA will design specialized online and in-person training courses, develop best practices for project administration, and foster meaningful collaboration with local experts and community leaders to ensure locally informed and relevant activities. The Administrator is also required to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing identified capability gaps, the nature of technical assistance and training provided, and an analysis of feedback received. A final report will include recommendations on the program's continuation and necessary funding. To support these efforts, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.