Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Reps. David Rouzer (R-NC), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) have introduced the Disaster Assistance Fairness Act.
The bill would require the President to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to remove debris from real estate owned by homeowners associations and condominiums when a state or local government determines the debris and wreckage constitute a threat to life, public health, or safety, or the economic recovery of the community.
The bill would also clarify that FEMA should provide homeowners with financial assistance for the repair of “essential common elements,” such as roofs, heating and cooling equipment, stairwells, and plumbing or electricity.
Senator Budd said in a statement:
“The scope of the devastation in Western North Carolina continues to require the federal government to work quickly to help folks in their time of need. Our legislation will cut through red tape and remove dangerous debris from mountain homes. It will also make sure that all North Carolinians are eligible for disaster assistance regardless of the type of community they live in. I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide Western North Carolina with the assistance they need, as quickly as possible.”
Senator Tillis said:
“As I have said since Helene struck Western North Carolina, we must respond differently to natural disasters. This commonsense bill ensures that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the same critical resources and assistance programs they need to restore their homes and recover after a disaster.”
Rep. Rouzer:
“Last year’s hurricane season reminded us natural disasters do not discriminate among neighborhoods, location, or housing arrangements. No matter your living situation, every individual deserves the same access and support in recovery. Yet, under FEMA’s current eligibility rules, certain individuals in condos, co-ops, and homeowner associations do not have access to Individual Assistance to cover the damage of common elements, often requiring increased costs for individuals to rebuild. This Disaster Assistance Fairness Act allows these individuals to receive the same assistance as everyone else.”
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