Moskowitz Introduces Bill to Replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund Before It Runs Out in August

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) introduced the Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act of 2024, legislation that would ensure FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) does not run out of funding. The fund, issued to respond to major disasters around the country, is set to run out of money in August, the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season.

“As the former Emergency Management Director for Florida, I’m especially concerned with the financial state of FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. We know this fund is going to run out – and Congress needs to be proactive,” Moskowitz said. A major disaster shouldn’t ever be politicized or used as a bargaining chip. We must demonstrate to the American people that government still works and can carry out basic functions like helping those impacted by disaster recover in their hour of greatest need.”

Congressman Moskowitz also led the charge to replenish the DRF in 2023, when it was passed at the last minute in a continuing resolution during late September. If Congress doesn’t act to prevent a shortfall in the DRF this year, there will be no funds for unforeseen major disasters until the end of the fiscal year, which is September 30^th. Under Moskowitz’s legislation, FEMA would be provided $7 billion in supplemental funding before the August deadline. With disasters becoming more prevalent and this hurricane season expected to be more active than usual, the DRF is essential in assisting communities around the country in recovering.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

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