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Disaster Recovery Coalition of America Backs Bipartisan FEMA Reform Legislation
WASHINGTON — Members of the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America (DRCA) voiced their enthusiastic support for the FEMA Act of 2025 today, after providing their insights with the industry and government partners who championed the legislation.
On July 24, 2025, bipartisan leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced the FEMA Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669), marking the most significant proposed reform of FEMA and federal disaster assistance in decades.
Pete Gaynor, Chairman of DRCA and former FEMA Administrator, praised the legislation’s potential: “This is a much‑needed step toward faster, smarter disaster recovery. After disaster strikes, the road to repair depends on those with the skills to rebuild. The FEMA Act of 2025 helps ensure disaster recovery professionals can do what they do best—help communities rebuild safely and efficiently.”
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee invited DRCA to provide input and advocacy to help strengthen and advance the bill. The bill aims to:
1. Transform FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency, reporting directly to the President. 2. Streamline disaster aid by replacing slow processes with project-based grants. 3. Cut red tape and reduce paperwork for survivors through a simplified application process. 4. Encourage state-led recovery by rewarding preparedness and allowing more flexibility in emergency housing and mitigation. 5. Prevent political bias in disaster recovery and ensure transparency through a centralized federal funding website. 6. Accelerate rebuilding by reforming permitting and procurement and closing out over 1,000 old disaster declarations.
Key sponsors include Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ). They emphasized the need for a more efficient, fair, and accountable emergency management system as disasters become more frequent and severe.
The FEMA Act of 2025 is a game-changer for communities facing disaster. By streamlining aid, supporting food and housing preparedness, and removing bureaucratic barriers, this legislation ensures families can recover faster and with dignity. It empowers local recovery professionals to act quickly, helping neighborhoods not just rebuild, but emerge stronger and more resilient than before.” -John Keller, Owner of Flex TC and a DRCA Board Member
“Hill International proudly stands behind the FEMA Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation represents the most significant proposed reform of FEMA and federal disaster assistance in decades, and it is a crucial step towards achieving faster, smarter, and more accountable disaster recovery for communities nationwide.
By empowering state-led recovery and reforming outdated permitting and procurement processes, this bill will enable disaster recovery professionals like those at Hill International to more effectively help communities rebuild safely and efficiently, strengthening their resilience against future events.” -Luis Lugo Jr., Senior Vice President of Hill International and a DRCA Board Member
“I’m really proud to see Congress moving forward with the FEMA Act of 2025—especially since the housing provisions at its heart came directly from our association’s work. These reforms will help speed up safe repairs, provide more rental and displacement assistance, and give families a clearer, faster path to rebuild stronger, more resilient homes after a disaster.” -Frank Robinson, Managing Partner of Atlys Global and a DRCA Board Member
“The FEMA Act of 2025 marks a major step forward in disaster recovery. By expanding rental assistance, enhancing displacement aid, supporting food preparedness, and creating a clearer path to rebuilding, these reforms will help communities recover faster and build safer, more resilient homes.” -Nathan Yearsley, President and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Chip Group and a DRCA Board Member
The DRCA encourages swift passage of this commonsense legislation to strengthen disaster readiness and recovery services across the nation.
Click here to read a section-by-section summary of the bill. Click here to read the full text of the bill.
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| About the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America (DRCA): The DRCA is a coalition of organizations that deliver essential services for communities before, during, and after emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. DRCA members hold 4,100 offices worldwide, including 2,595 across all 50 states and Washington D.C. With a global workforce of over 243,000 disaster recovery professionals, DRCA members play a critical role in building resilience and accelerating recovery. The coalition represents a diverse, experienced, and mission-driven sector dedicated to protecting lives, restoring infrastructure, and supporting communities in times of crisis. |