Page 9 - Demo

9 | Page May 2 3 I ssueLegislative Updates & NewsHouse committee releases FEMA reform proposalThe House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unveiled a draft FEMA reform bill with several positive inclusions for counties, reflecting NACo%u2019s top disaster policy recommendations.%u2022 Core reforms: The bill transitions FEMA to a grant-based model, streamlines environmental reviews and accelerates funding timelines.%u2022 Local flexibility: It includes a universal disaster application and makes reforms to mitigation and assistance programs.%u2022 Equity in planning: The proposal requires at least one pre-approved mitigation project per county to ensure fair access.House advances budget reconciliation billThree key House committees %u2014 Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture %u2014 have marked up their sections of the reconciliation bill, including major provisions that directly impact counties.%u2022 Positive provisions: The bill preserves tax-exempt municipal bonds, delays hospital payment cuts and reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools through fiscal year 2027.