On Friday, October 4, 2013, the House will consider H.J.Res. 85, the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act, under a rule. H.J.Res. 85 was introduced on October 3, 2013 by Representative John Carter (R-TX), Chairman, Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations.
H.J.Res. 85 provides immediate funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the same rate and under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Funds are available until another appropriation bill (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
Funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is contained in the Homeland Security appropriations bill. FEMA provides support that specifically addresses short, medium, and long term consequences of an event on both individuals and communities for declared disasters, emergencies, and fire management assistance grants.[1] On October 1, 2013, a lapse in federal funding resulted in a federal government shut down, including aspects of FEMA. As Hurricane Karen approaches the Gulf Coast, there is an increased focus on the need to ensure that FEMA has the resources available to respond, including human resources.[2]
[1] http://appropriations.house.gov/_files/femastatusrpt1208.pdf.
[2] http://www.nationaljournal.com/domesticpolicy/what-happens-if-a-hurricane-comes-during-the-government-shutdown-20131003?mrefid=HomepageRiver.
CBO reported that enacting H.J.Res.85 would result in a total budget authority of $10.226 billion.
