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Defense Production Act of 1950: History, Authorities, and Considerations for Congress [Updated March 2, 2020]

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From the Summary: "The Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 (P.L. 81-774, 50 U.S.C. §§4501 et seq.), as amended, confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense. The authorities can be used across the federal government to shape the domestic industrial base so that, when called upon, it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. Though initially passed in response to the Korean War, the DPA is historically based on the War Powers Acts of World War II. Gradually, Congress has expanded the term national defense, as defined in the DPA. Based on this definition, the scope of DPA authorities now extends beyond shaping U.S. military preparedness and capabilities, as the authorities may also be used to enhance and support domestic preparedness, response, and recovery from natural hazards, terrorist attacks, and other national emergencies."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Cecire, Michael H.; Peters, Heidi M.; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2020-03-02
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [Updated October 8, 2019]

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From the Summary: "The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized to November 21, 2019, through a series of short-term reauthorizations. The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird; Brown, Jared T.

2019-10-08
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [Updated January 14, 2019]

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"The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, Title XIII of P.L. 90-448, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.). The NFIP received a short-term reauthorization through December 8, 2017, a second short-term reauthorization through December 22, 2017, and a third short-term reauthorization through January 19, 2018. The NFIP lapsed between January 20 and January 22, 2018, and received a fourth short-term reauthorization until February 8, 2018. The NFIP lapsed for approximately eight hours during a brief government shutdown in the early morning of February 9, 2018, and was then reauthorized until March 23, 2018. The NFIP received a sixth reauthorization until July 31, 2018, a seventh reauthorization until November 30, 2018, an eighth reauthorization until December 7, 2018,8 a ninth reauthorization until December 21, 2018, and a tenth reauthorization until May 31, 2019. [...] This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP, ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2019-01-14
Defense Production Act of 1950: History, Authorities, and Considerations for Congress [Updated November 20, 2018]

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From the Document: "The Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 (P.L. 81-774, 50 U.S.C. §§4501 et seq.), as amended, confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense. The authorities can be used across the federal government to shape the domestic industrial base so that, when called upon, it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. Though initially passed in response to the Korean War, the DPA is historically based on the War Powers Acts of World War II. Gradually, Congress has expanded the term national defense, as defined in the DPA. Based on this definition, the scope of DPA authorities now extends beyond shaping U.S. military preparedness and capabilities, as the authorities may also be used to enhance and support domestic preparedness, response, and recovery from natural hazards, terrorist attacks, and other national emergencies."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Schwartz, Moshe

2018-11-20
Hurricane Michael: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [November 5, 2018]

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"This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major disaster declarations relevant to Hurricane Michael, and selected federal resources and links to CRS [Congressional Research Service] products related to Stafford Act declarations, disaster response, and recovery. Hurricane Michael made landfall on the panhandle of Florida as a category 4 on October 10, 2018 and affected parts of Georgia. In anticipation of the landfall, President Trump issued an emergency declaration to Florida on October 7, 2018. On October 11, 2018, the President issued an emergency declaration to Georgia, and issued a major disaster declaration to Florida. Authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, emergency declarations may authorize direct federal assistance and grant assistance to affected state and local governments to protect property, ensure public health and safety, and other activities that lessen or avert an incident becoming a catastrophic incident."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lindsay, Bruce R.; Reese, Shawn; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2018-11-05
Hurricane Michael: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [October 11, 2018]

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"This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major disaster declarations relevant to Hurricane Michael, and selected federal resources and links to CRS [Congressional Budget Office] products related to Stafford Act declarations, disaster response, and recovery. Hurricane Michael made landfall on the panhandle of Florida as a category 4 on October 10, 2018 and affected parts of Georgia. In anticipation of the landfall, President Trump issued an emergency declaration to Florida on October 7, 2018. On October 11, 2018, the President issued an emergency declaration to Georgia, and issued a major disaster declaration to Florida. Authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, emergency declarations may authorize direct federal assistance and grant assistance to affected state and local governments to protect property, ensure public health and safety, and other activities that lessen or avert an incident becoming a catastrophic incident."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Lindsay, Bruce R.; Reese, Shawn; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2018-10-11
Hurricane Florence: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [September 13, 2018]

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"This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major disaster declarations relevant to Hurricane Florence, and selected federal resources and links to CRS products related to emergency and disaster declarations, disaster response,and recovery. Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, NC, as a category 1 hurricane on September 14, 2018. In anticipation of the landfall, President Trump has issued emergency declarations to Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (referred to as the Stafford Act-- 42 U.S.C. §§5721 et seq.), emergency declarations trigger aid for protecting property, public health and safety, and other activities that lessen or avert an incident becoming a catastrophic event."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Reese, Shawn; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2018-09-13
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies [September 13, 2018]

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"The principles of disaster management assume a leadership role by the local,state, and tribal governments affected by the incident. The federal government provides coordinated supplemental resources and assistance, only if requested and approved. The immediate response to a disaster is guided by the National Response Framework (NRF), which details roles and responsibilities at various levels of government, along with cooperation from the private and nonprofit sectors, for differing incidents and support functions. A possible declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act,P.L. 93-288, as amended) must, in almost all cases, be requested by the governor of a state or the chief executive of an affected Indian tribal government, who at that point has declared that the situation is beyond the capacity of the state or tribe to respond. The governor/chief also determines for which parts of the state/tribal territory assistance will be requested, and suggests the types of assistance programs that may be needed. The President considers the request, in consultation with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and makes the initial decisions on the areas to be included as well as the programs that are implemented."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Lindsay, Bruce R.

2018-09-13
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [July 31, 2018]

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"The NFIP was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized to November 30, 2018, through a series of short-term reauthorizations. The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards. FEMA manages a process, called Risk MAP, to produce Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Depicted on FIRMs are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), which is the area exposed to a 1% or greater risk of annual flooding. FIRMs vary in age across the country, and are updated on a prioritized basis. The Risk MAP process provides extensive outreach and appeal opportunities for communities. Updating a community's FIRMs can take three to five years or more. Participating communities must adopt a flood map and enact minimum floodplain standards to regulate development in the SFHA. FEMA encourages communities to enhance their floodplain standards by offering reduced premium rates through the Community Rating System (CRS). FEMA also manages a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program using NFIP revenues to further reduce comprehensive flood risk."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2018-07-31
Flood Resilience and Risk Reduction: Federal Assistance and Programs [July 25, 2018]

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"Recent flood disasters have raised congressional and public interest in not only reducing flood risks, but also improving flood resilience, which is the ability to adapt to, withstand, and rapidly recover from floods. Congress has established various federal programs that may be available to assist U.S. state, local, and territorial entities and tribes in reducing flood risks. Among the most significant current federal programs assisting communities with improvements to reduce their flood risks and improve their flood resilience are (1) programs that assist with infrastructure to reduce flood risks and other flood mitigation activities, and (2) programs of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that provide incentives to reduce flood risks."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2018-07-25
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [April 30, 2018]

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"The NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program] was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized to July 31, 2018, through a series of short-term reauthorizations. The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards. [..] Congress has provided appropriations to the NFIP for some of the cost of Risk MAP. Congress also authorizes the use of premium revenues for other NFIP costs, including administration, salaries, and other expenses. NFIP premiums also include other charges, such as a Federal Policy Fee, a Reserve Fund assessment, and a surcharge to help fund the NFIP. In October 2017, Congress cancelled $16 billion of NFIP debt, making it possible for the program to pay claims for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The NFIP currently owes $20.525 billion to the U.S. Treasury, leaving $9.9 billion in borrowing authority from a $30.425 billion limit in law. This debt is serviced by the NFIP and interest is paid through premium revenues. After July 31, 2018, key authorities of the NFIP, such as the authority to issue new insurance contracts, will expire if they are not reauthorized by Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2018-04-30
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [February 13, 2018]

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"The NFIP was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized to March 23, 2018, through a series of short-term reauthorizations. The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2018-02-13
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [January 3, 2018]

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"This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program], ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report does not provide detail on current or future legislative issues for Congress. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action. CRS [Congressional Research Service] also has a separate report on flood insurance and other federal disaster assistance programs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2018-01-03
Floodplain Management and Flood Resilience: Current Policy and Considerations for Congress [December 22, 2017]

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This Insight provides a description of the current presidential direction on floodplain policy. "An issue for Congress is how federal floodplain policy shapes implementation of federal projects and programs. Floodplain policy has particular relevance for federal disaster recovery assistance and infrastructure support. President Trump and, earlier, Presidents Obama and Carter have provided direction on federal floodplain policy."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-12-22
Natural Disasters of 2017: Congressional Considerations Related to FEMA Assistance [December 6, 2017]

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"This Insight provides a short overview of issues Congress may consider in its oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) federal assistance during the 2017 hurricane season (e.g., Harvey, Irma, and Maria) and other disasters (e.g., fires in California). For the current status of response efforts, see official government sources and news media."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Horn, Diane P.; Painter, William L. . . .

2017-12-06
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [November 27, 2017]

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"The NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program] was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was recently reauthorized from October 1, 2017 to December 8, 2017. Prior to that, the NFIP was reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Title II of P.L. 112-141). The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to federal flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards. [...] After December 8, 2017, key authorities of the NFIP, such as the authority to issue new insurance contracts, will expire if they are not reauthorized by Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-11-27
Flood-Risk Reduction and Resilience: Federal Assistance and Programs [November 13, 2017]

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"Recent flood disasters have raised congressional and public interest in not only reducing flood risks, but also improving flood resilience, which is the ability to adapt to, withstand, and rapidly recover from floods. Congress has established various federal programs that may be available to assist U.S. state, local, and territorial entities and tribes in reducing flood risks. Among the most significant current federal programs assisting communities with improvements to reduce their flood risks and improve their flood resilience are (1) programs that assist with flood-risk reduction infrastructure and other flood mitigation activities, and (2) programs of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that provide incentives to reduce flood risks."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T. . . .

2017-11-13
Natural Disasters of 2017: Congressional Considerations Related to FEMA Assistance [November 02, 2017]

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"This Insight provides a short overview of issues Congress may consider in its oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) federal assistance during the 2017 hurricane season (e.g., Harvey, Irma, and Maria) and other disasters (e.g., fires in California)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Horn, Diane P.; Painter, William L. . . .

2017-11-02
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [September 12, 2017]

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"The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, Title XIII of P.L. 90-448, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was recently reauthorized from October 1, 2017, to December 8, 2017. Prior to that, the NFIP was reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Title II of P.L. 112-141, henceforth BW-12) from July 6, 2012, to September 30, 2017. Congress amended elements of BW-12, but did not extend the NFIP's authorization further, in the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-89, henceforth HFIAA). The NFIP is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its subcomponent the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). As of June 2017, the NFIP had 4.94 million flood insurance policies providing approximately $1.23 trillion in coverage. The program collects about $3.5 billion in annual premium revenue. Nationally, as of August 2017, about 22,276 communities in 56 states and jurisdictions participated in the NFIP. According to FEMA, the program saves the nation an estimated $1.87 billion annually in flood losses avoided because of the NFIP's building and floodplain management regulations."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Horn, Diane P.

2017-09-12
Congressional Considerations Related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma [September 08, 2017]

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"This Insight provides a short overview of issues Congress may consider in relation to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. It is not intended to provide up-to-date information on unfolding events. For storm-related updates and the current status of response efforts, see official government sources (e.g., Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Weather Service), congressional advisories from government sources, and/or news media [...] As of noon on September 8, in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, President Trump has issued major disaster declarations for Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and emergency declarations for Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act). Depending on future consequences, major disaster declarations could yet be made for those areas that have already received emergency declarations. These declarations can also be further amended, as has happened for the Texas declaration, to add counties and types of assistance as warranted. The President has also amended the Texas declaration to decrease the state cost share requirements for some of FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) grants being provided through the Stafford Act."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P. . . .

2017-09-08
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies [September 08, 2017]

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"The principles of disaster management assume a leadership role by the local, state, and tribal governments affected by the incident. The federal government provides coordinated supplemental resources and assistance, only if requested and approved. The immediate response to a disaster is guided by the National Response Framework (NRF), which details roles and responsibilities at various levels of government, along with cooperation from the private and nonprofit sectors, for differing incidents and support functions. A possible declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended) must, in almost all cases, be requested by the governor of a state or the chief executive of an affected Indian tribal government, who at that point has declared that the situation is beyond the capacity of the state or tribe to respond. The governor/chief also determines for which parts of the state/tribal territory assistance will be requested, and suggests the types of assistance programs that may be needed. The President considers the request, in consultation with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and makes the initial decisions on the areas to be included as well as the programs that are implemented."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Petruzzelli, Jaclyn

2017-09-08
Floodplain Management and Flood Resilience: Current Policy and Considerations for Congress [September 06, 2017]

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"An issue for Congress is how federal floodplain policy shapes implementation of federal projects and programs. Federal floodplain policy has particular relevance for federal disaster recovery assistance and infrastructure support. President Trump and, earlier, Presidents Obama and Carter have provided direction on federal floodplain policy. This Insight describes presidential direction to federal agencies on floodplain management and flood resilience and presents considerations for Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.; Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-09-06
Congressional Action on the FY2013 Disaster Supplemental [August 31, 2017]

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"On January 29, 2013, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013, a $50.5 billion package of disaster assistance largely focused on responding to Hurricane Sandy, was enacted as P.L. 113-2. In late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy impacted a wide swath of the East Coast of the United States, resulting in more than 120 deaths and major disaster declarations for 12 states plus the District of Columbia. The Obama Administration submitted a request to Congress on December 7, 2012, for $60.4 billion in supplemental funding and legislative provisions to address both the immediate losses and damages from Hurricane Sandy, as well as to mitigate the damage from future disasters in the impacted region. On January 15, 2013, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 152, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013. This bill included $50.5 billion in disaster assistance. This was the third piece of disaster legislation considered by the House during the first month of the 113th Congress. H.R. 41, which passed the House and Senate on January 4, 2013 and was signed into law two days later as P.L. 113-1, provided $9.7 billion in additional borrowing authority for the National Flood Insurance Program. On January 14, the House passed H.R. 219, legislation making changes to disaster assistance programs. The rule for consideration of H.R. 152 combined the text of H.R. 219 with H.R. 152 upon its engrossment, to send them to the Senate as a single package."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Painter, William L.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-08-31
Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [July 25, 2017]

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"The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, Title XIII of P.L. 90-448, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Title II of P.L. 112-141, henceforth BW-12). Congress amended elements of BW-12, but did not extend the NFIP's authorization further in the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-89, henceforth HFIAA). The NFIP is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its subcomponent the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA). As of February 2017, the NFIP had 4.99 million flood insurance policies providing approximately $1.24 trillion in coverage. The program collects about $3.5 billion in annual premium revenue. Nationally, as of April 2017, about 22,249 communities in 56 states and jurisdictions participated in the NFIP. According to FEMA, the program saves the nation an estimated $1.87 billion annually in flood losses avoided because of the NFIP's building and floodplain management regulations. This report provides introductory information on key components of the NFIP, ranging from floodplain mapping to the standard flood insurance forms. This report does not provide detail on current or future legislative issues for Congress. This report will be updated as significant revisions are made to the NFIP through legislation or administrative action. CRS also has a separate report on flood insurance and other federal disaster assistance programs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Horn, Diane P.; Brown, Jared T.

2017-07-25
Introduction to FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [August 16, 2016]

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"The NFIP was established by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Title II of P.L. 112-141). The general purpose of the NFIP is both to offer primary flood insurance to properties with significant flood risk, and to reduce flood risk through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Generally, communities volunteer to participate in the NFIP in order to have access to flood insurance, and in return are required to adopt minimum standards. FEMA manages a process, called Risk MAP, which conducts Flood Insurance Studies (FISs) to produce Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Depicted on FIRMs are Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), which is the area exposed to a 1 in 100 or greater risk of annual flooding. FIRMs vary in age across the country, and are updated on a prioritized basis with no definitive timetable. The Risk MAP process provides extensive outreach and appeal opportunities for communities. Updating a community's FIRMs can take as long as three to five years or more. Participating communities must adopt a flood map and enact minimum floodplain standards to regulate development in the SFHA. FEMA encourages communities to enhance their floodplain standards by offering reduced premium rates through the Community Rating System (CRS). FEMA also manages a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program using NFIP revenues to further reduce comprehensive flood risk."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.

2016-08-16
Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) [May 25, 2016]

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Taken from the CRS (Congressional Research Service) Insight, the following provides an introduction to the subject matter. "The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) is the principal mechanism for accomplishing the flood risk management policies established by President Obama in Executive Order (E.O.) 13690. E.O. 13690 aims to improve the resilience of communities and federal assets against the impacts of flooding. The FFRMS is a flood resilience standard that is required for 'federally funded projects.' The October 2015 FFRMS defines federally funded projects as 'actions where Federal funds are used for new construction, substantial improvement, or to address substantial damage to a structure or facility.' A structure is defined as a walled or roofed building; a facility is a man-made or man-placed item other than a structure."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.; Brown, Jared T.; McCarthy, Francis X.

2016-05-25
Private Flood Insurance in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) [April 25, 2016]

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"The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) The NFIP was first authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.), and was most recently reauthorized by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12, Title II of P.L. 112-141). In statute, Congress has found that: (1) many factors have made it uneconomic for the private insurance industry alone to make flood insurance available to those in need of such protection on reasonable terms and conditions; but (2) a program of flood insurance with large-scale participation of the Federal Government and carried out to the maximum extent practicable by the private insurance industry is feasible and can be initiated. (42 U.S.C. §4001(b))"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Webel, Baird

2016-04-25
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies [May 19, 2015]

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"The principles of disaster management assume a leadership role by the local, tribal, and state governments with the federal government providing coordinated supplemental resources and assistance, if requested and approved. The immediate response to a disaster is guided by the National Response Framework (NRF), which details roles and responsibilities at various levels of government, along with cooperation from the private and nonprofit sectors, for differing incidents and support functions. A declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended, must, in almost all cases, be requested by the governor of a state or the chief executive of an affected Indian tribal government, who at that point has declared that the situation is beyond the capacity of the state or tribe to respond. The governor/chief also determines which parts of the state/tribal territory they will request assistance for and suggests the types of assistance programs that may be needed. The President considers the request, in consultation with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and makes the initial decisions on the areas to be included as well as the programs that are implemented."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarthy, Francis X.; Brown, Jared T.

2015-05-19
Deployable Federal Assets Supporting Domestic Disaster Response Operations: Summary and Considerations for Congress [May 13, 2015]

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"For most disasters across the nation, the affected local, state, or tribal governments have sufficient capabilities to respond to the incident. However, for disasters with consequences that require unique capabilities or that overwhelm the existing capabilities of a respective state or tribal government, Congress has authorized and appropriated a suite of deployable federal assets to support domestic disaster response operations. This report reviews several key concepts about these federal assets, and highlights possible issues Congress may consider when evaluating their authorization and appropriation. In this report, a 'deployable federal' asset generally means sets of specially trained federal employees whose mission is to provide on-scene assistance to communities by supporting their disaster response. Deployable federal assets can be described as the federal government's 'first responders' to a disaster. They typically only provide assistance at the request of states or tribes and in circumstances where the capabilities of non-federal government entities are insufficient. The federal government also scopes its assistance to provide only the assets that are required by the situation. The maximum disaster consequences that the federal government is prepared to address with its full set of response capabilities is largely unknown. […] This report also provides brief summaries of examples of deployable federal assets. These assets are managed, either solely or jointly, by a variety of federal departments and agencies, including components of the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services; the Environmental Protection Agency; the National Transportation Safety Board; and others."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.

2015-05-13
FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program: Background and Considerations for Congress [April 16, 2015]

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"The Public Assistance Grant Program (PA Program) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and combines the authorities of multiple sections of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288, as amended, the Stafford Act). The PA Program is only available for states and communities that have received a major or emergency disaster declaration through the Stafford Act (and in a more limited fashion, Fire Management Assistance Grants)."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Brown, Jared T.; Richardson, Daniel J.

2015-04-16

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