Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to enable Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants. It allows the Chief Executive of an Indian tribal government to submit these requests independently, rather than relying on state governments. A key provision ensures that if a tribe's direct request is not granted, they can still receive assistance through a declaration made at a State's request for the same incident. The legislation mandates that the President issue updated regulations within one year, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to directly receive tribal requests and provide grants. These regulations must also clarify continued tribal eligibility for assistance via state requests, consider the unique conditions affecting tribal welfare, and require government-to-government consultation with Indian tribal governments during their development.
Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act
USA119th CongressS-443| Senate
| Updated: 2/6/2025
This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to enable Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance declarations and grants. It allows the Chief Executive of an Indian tribal government to submit these requests independently, rather than relying on state governments. A key provision ensures that if a tribe's direct request is not granted, they can still receive assistance through a declaration made at a State's request for the same incident. The legislation mandates that the President issue updated regulations within one year, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to directly receive tribal requests and provide grants. These regulations must also clarify continued tribal eligibility for assistance via state requests, consider the unique conditions affecting tribal welfare, and require government-to-government consultation with Indian tribal governments during their development.