Barletta’s Disaster Recovery Reform Act Again Heads to the Senate

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:

Today, legislation introduced by Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) to reform our nation's disaster response and recovery passed the House for the third time. Barletta's Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) was included as part of H.R. 302, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. H.R. 302 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 398 to 23, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

This legislation is the bipartisan final agreement between House and Senate Committee leaders to provide long-term stability and critical reforms to the Federal Aviation Administration and transform federal disaster programs to better prepare communities for disaster. Since introducing the legislation last November, Barletta has worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of these critical reforms by both the House and the Senate. H.R. 302 is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Trump shortly thereafter.

"Today, the House voted for the third time to give communities across the country the tools they need to save lives and taxpayer dollars," Barletta said after passage. "Last year, eight percent of the U.S. population - that's 26.4 million Americans - was affected by at least one disaster. This year, we've already seen disasters strike in our own communities, as more than 20 counties in Pennsylvania were devastated by widespread flooding this summer. And, as we speak, the Carolinas continue to recover from Hurricane Florence, which took the lives of over 40 Americans. It's clear that the Disaster Recovery Reform Act is needed now more than ever. I urge the Senate to protect communities across the country, and send this important legislation to the president's desk."

"I want to thank Chairman Barletta for his extensive work in writing the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, and his persistent efforts to see that this legislation is sent to the president," said Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-09), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "His bill is going to make a significant impact in how communities across the country can save lives, save property, and save money by becoming more resilient to disasters."

A bipartisan effort led by Barletta to address disaster recovery in the U.S., DRRA implements broad reforms at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In particular, the legislation increases the federal emphasis on pre-disaster planning and mitigation, which will reduce the potential for future loss of life and address the rising costs of disasters throughout America. Barletta's bill also includes provisions ranging from ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to repair or replace accessibility related property to ensuring pets and other animals are taken care of during disasters.

Barletta, who is the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, has long been an advocate for investing in pre-disaster mitigation. Mitigation can encompass a wide variety of activities, including proactive preparation and planning, elevating or moving structures prone to flooding, and hardening structures to mitigate effects of hurricanes or earthquakes. Local infrastructure projects like the flood wall in Bloomsburg demonstrate how investment made before disaster strikes is critical to saving lives and taxpayer dollars. In July, representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Emergency Management Association, as well as local emergency management coordinators testified on the benefits of DRRA before Barletta's subcommittee. You can see a summary of their remarks here.

To watch Barletta's remarks about DRRA on the House floor today, click here. Barletta's full remarks are below:

I rise in support today of H.R. 302 , which includes my bill, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. In 2017, 8% of the united states' population, that's 26.4 million Americans, were affected by at least one disaster.

This year we've already seen tragedy strike in our communities. For example, in July and August, Pennsylvania was devastated by widespread flooding that destroyed homes and businesses and tragically cost lives.

In Hershey, Pennsylvania, a creek crest at over 17 feet, the second highest level since the weather service began keeping records.

As we speak, the Carolinas continue to recover from hurricane Florence, which took the lives of over 40 Americans. It is clear these reforms are needed now more than ever.

I thank Chairman Shuster for his support and getting this bill over the finish line.