Moskowitz Introduces Legislation to Replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) Before It’s Depleted in August

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) has introduced the Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act, legislation that would ensure FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) does not run out of funding. As it currently stands, the fund, which is used to respond to major disasters around the country, is set to run out of money in August which is right in the middle of Hurricane Season.

If Congress doesn’t act to prevent a shortfall in the DRF, there will be no funds for unforeseen major disasters until the end of the fiscal year, which is September 30th. Under Moskowitz’s legislation, FEMA would be provided $11.5 billion in supplemental funding before the August deadline. After experiencing a worldwide pandemic and disasters becoming more and more prevalent, this fund is essential in assisting communities around the country recover.

“As the former Emergency Management Director for Florida, I’m especially concerned with the financial state of FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. We have to be proactive. We know this fund is going to run out. How can FEMA operate if we are always being reactionary? FEMA provides life-saving resources to areas impacted by disasters all around the nation. Emergency management cannot be politicized and should always be prioritized. I’m encouraged to see there is still bipartisan interest in solving this problem and I look forward to working together to get the appropriate funding to the Disaster Relief Fund,” said Moskowitz. 

The Senate companion bill, S. 2029, was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). Congressman Moskowitz is leading the bill in the House with Representative James Moylan (R-Guam).