Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: EXACT: "Webster, Elizabeth M." in: author
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Administration of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Funding Authorized Under the FY2019 Border Supplemental [Updated August 23, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and funding provided for it through the FY2019 Border Supplemental."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-08-23
-
FEMA and SBA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Households: Application Processes, Determinations, and Appeals [Updated August 6, 2019]
From the Summary: "The Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Disaster Loan Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance (IA) program are the federal government's primary sources of financial assistance to help individuals and households recover and rebuild following an incident. In many cases, disaster survivors need assistance from both programs in addition to other sources of assistance, including private insurance, state and local government assistance, and assistance from voluntary organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-08-06
-
Administration of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Funding Authorized Under the FY2019 Border Supplemental [Updated August 20, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and funding provided for it through the FY2019 Border Supplemental."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-08-20
-
FEMA Individual Assistance Programs: An Overview [November 19, 2019]
From the Document: "Following a presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide three primary forms of assistance: Individual Assistance (IA), Public Assistance (PA), and Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA). IA, which is the focus of this report, provides aid to affected individuals and households."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-11-19
-
Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA): Implementation Updates for Select Provisions [April 27, 2021]
From the Summary: "This report describes select significant implementation updates since DRRA's [Disaster Recovery Reform Act's] enactment, and includes policy considerations for Congress. A companion product, CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R46774, 'The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA): Implementation Update Tables for Select Provisions', provides tables that include updates on the status of FEMA's implementation of select DRRA provisions (i.e., implemented, in progress, or unverified). Further, detailed overviews of many DRRA sections, including descriptions of how various disaster assistance programs operated prior to DRRA's implementation and analysis of how DRRA's provisions modified these programs, as well as policy considerations, were previously examined in CRS Report R45819, 'The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA): A Summary of Selected Statutory Provisions.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Horn, Diane P. . . .
2021-04-27
-
Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA): Implementation Update Tables for Select Provisions [Updated April 27, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA, Division D of P.L. [public law] 115-254) was enacted on October 5, 2018, and is the most comprehensive reform of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) disaster assistance programs since the passage of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA, Division B of P.L. 113-2) and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295). DRRA's purpose is to improve pre-disaster planning and mitigation, response, and recovery, and increase FEMA's accountability. To accomplish these objectives, DRRA amended many sections of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. [United States Code] §§5121 et seq.). The Stafford Act is the foundational legislation for federal emergency authorities and disaster relief to local, state, territorial, and Indian tribal governments, certain private nonprofit organizations, and individuals and families, as well as emergency management policy. DRRA also provided new standalone authorities, and required rulemaking, reporting to Congress, and other actions by FEMA to support disaster preparedness, and increase FEMA transparency and accountability. [...] This report provides implementation status updates for select DRRA provisions that FEMA says it has implemented or is in the process of implementing."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Horn, Diane P.; Keegan, Natalie . . .
2021-04-27
-
2019 Midwest Flooding: FEMA and Other Federal Programs and Resources [March 26, 2019]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of the major disaster declaration process and federal assistance programs potentially available to those affected by the current flooding in the Midwest. As authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.), the President may issue a major disaster declaration due to catastrophic flooding. This allows for a broad range of federal assistance programs to be made available to state and local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and individuals through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Horn, Diane P.; Keegan, Natalie . . .
2019-03-26
-
Evolving Use of Disaster Housing Assistance and the Roles of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) and the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) [April 9, 2019]
From the Document: "For nearly one year following Hurricane Maria in 2017, some disaster survivors from Puerto Rico were housed in hotels/motels through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program. This was due to multiple program extensions (including by court order), although TSA was intended to provide short-term (i.e., 5-14 days, extendable for up to 6 months) accommodations. As TSA was ending, some disaster survivors still lacked longer-term housing, causing housing advocacy organizations and Members of Congress (also here and here) to call upon FEMA to work with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), as was done following past catastrophic incidents. [...] This Insight provides a brief overview of DHAP and other FEMA temporary housing assistance programs in the context of FEMA's authority to provide such assistance, as well as potential considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-04-09
-
Disaster Recovery Reform Act: Homeland Security Issues in the 116th Congress [February 26, 2019]
"The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA, Division D of P.L. 115-254), which became law on October 5, 2018, is the most comprehensive legislation on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) disaster assistance programs since the passage of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (SRIA, Division B of P.L. 113-2) and, previous to that, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA, P.L. 109-295). The legislation focuses on improving predisaster planning and mitigation, response, and recovery, and increasing FEMA accountability. As such, it amends many sections of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). Generally, DRRA's amendments to the Stafford Act apply to major disasters and emergencies declared on or after August 1, 2017. Other new authorities apply to major disasters and emergencies declared on or after January 1, 2016. [...] This Insight provides an overview of some of DRRA's broad impacts with a few significant, illustrative provisions, and potential considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2019-02-26
-
FEMA Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 [January 25, 2021]
From the Document: "The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 mandated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide Funeral Assistance for deaths associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and appropriated funding to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) for such purposes. This Insight discusses these provisions, and provides an overview of FEMA Funeral Assistance, including eligible expenses, considerations for determining award amounts, and applicant eligibility criteria per FEMA's guidance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2021-01-25
-
Food Banks and Other Emergency Feeding Organizations: Federal Aid and the Response to COVID-19 [June 25, 2020]
From the Document: "During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, rising unemployment rates and other factors led an increasing number of Americans to seek food assistance. Food banks, food pantries, and other emergency feeding organizations--sometimes referred to as the 'charitable food assistance network'--are often the first place people go when they become food insecure, and these organizations have experienced an influx in demand during the pandemic. At the same time, they have had to address safety concerns resulting from COVID-19, often operating with fewer staff or utilizing the National Guard to distribute food, and setting up drive-through and mobile food distributions. While the charitable food assistance network relies heavily on private donations, federal programs also provide a significant source of food and revenue for emergency feeding organizations. The primary federal programs that support food banks and other emergency feeding organizations are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Billings, Kara Clifford; Lee, Erica A.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-06-25
-
Presidential Declarations of Emergency for COVID-19: NEA and Stafford Act [March 19, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides an overview of the presidential declarations of emergency made under the National Emergencies Act (NEA; 50 U.S.C. §§1601 et seq.) and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) in response to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Table 1 describes select differences between these types of declarations and their authorities. This Insight does not discuss other actions mentioned by the President, or federal agencies (other than the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)) that have been, or may be, tasked to respond."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-03-19
-
2020 Hurricane Season FAQ: Federal Disaster Assistance for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic [June 1, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the peak months are mid-August through late October. The central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the peak months being July through October. The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 through November 30, with July through September being the peak. Although in the central and eastern Pacific, near- or below-normal season are most likely, in the Atlantic, an 'above-normal' hurricane season is predicted for 2020. Regardless of the forecast, one hurricane or tropical storm can cause a disaster. [...] This report provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding: [1] emergency and major disaster declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act [...]), including legal authorities and information related to the declaration request process; [2] types of assistance that may be available to state, territorial, and tribal governments, private nonprofit organizations, private entities, and individuals and households pursuant to a Stafford Act emergency or major disaster declaration; [3] considerations related to concurrently responding to a hurricane during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic; [4] the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), the source of funding for the Stafford Act emergency and major disaster declarations; [5] other federal assistance that may be available through the Small Business Administration (SBA); and [6] additional references."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Horn, Diane P.; Lee, Erica A. . . .
2020-06-01
-
Stafford Act Declarations for COVID-19 FAQ [April 22, 2020]
From the Summary: "On March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared an emergency under Section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The declaration authorized assistance to all U.S. states, territories, tribes, and the District of Columbia. [...] This report provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Stafford Act disaster declarations made for COVID-19, federally available assistance, and sources of funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Webster, Elizabeth M.; Painter, William L.
2020-04-22
-
Congressional Primer on Responding to and Recovering from Major Disasters and Emergencies [Updated June 3, 2020]
From the Overview: "Before and after a disaster strikes, it is useful to understand the basic national emergency management structure and where authority rests at various stages of the process. This report provides information to aid policymakers as they navigate the phases of disaster response and recovery and the associated actions, and entity responsibilities. Additionally, it describes the laws and administrative policies governing the disaster response and recovery processes. The report also reviews the legislative framework that exists for providing federal financial assistance following a presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster, as well as the policies the executive branch employs to provide supplemental help to state, territorial, Indian tribal, and local governments during and following disasters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-06-03
-
FEMA Funeral Assistance for COVID-19 [Updated April 8, 2021]
From the Document: "Congress authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Funeral Assistance for deaths associated with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 [hyperlink] and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 [hyperlink]. This Insight provides an overview of FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, including eligible expenses, applicant eligibility criteria, and award amounts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2021-04-08
-
FEMA Individual Assistance Programs: An Overview [Updated April 7, 2022]
From the Introduction: "When a disaster occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may assist individuals with their recovery when the Individual Assistance (IA) program is authorized pursuant to a presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; P.L. [Public Law] 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. [United States Code] §§5121 et seq.). This report provides brief descriptions of the IA categories authorized under the Stafford Act, including the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP); Disaster Case Management (DCM), Disaster Legal Services (DLS); Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); and assistance for housing and/or other needs (referred to as other needs assistance or ONA) through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). Also included is a brief overview of Mass Care and Emergency Assistance (MC/EA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2022-04-07
-
FEMA's Role in the COVID-19 Federal Pandemic Response [February 10, 2022]
From the Document: "On March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump declared a nationwide emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288 as amended), authorizing assistance administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Five days later, the President notified then-FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor that the agency would assume leadership of the federal pandemic response effort--the first known instance of FEMA serving in such a role for a public health incident."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Horn, Diane P.; Lindsay, Bruce R. . . .
2022-02-10
-
California Wildfires: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [Updated November 19, 2018]
From the Introduction: "This Insight provides a brief overview of the major disaster declaration issued [hyperlink] for the ongoing wildfires in California. It also provides links to selected CRS [Congressional Research Service] products related to the disaster. As authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [hyperlink], President Trump issued a major disaster declaration [hyperlink] on November 12, 2018. The major disaster declaration allows for the broadest range of assistance to be made available to state and local governments; private, nonprofit organizations; and individuals. The major disaster declaration also effectively supersedes the Fire Management Assistance Grants [hyperlink] (FMAGs) for the California Woolsey Fire [hyperlink], California Hill Fire [hyperlink], and California Camp Fire [hyperlink], as well as the emergency declaration [hyperlink] issued before the major disaster, as the major disaster declaration provides all of the forms of assistance that could be provided by an FMAG and emergency declaration, and more. The declarations trigger assistance programs that are carried out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA released a summary of the key federal disaster aid programs [hyperlink], administered by FEMA and other federal agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Painter, William L.; Brown, Jared T. . . .
2018-11-19
-
Potential FEMA Emergency Sheltering Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated September 1, 2021]
From the Document: "Some hazards (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires) may result in evacuations and the displacement of disaster survivors. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, local, tribal, and territorial governments (SLTTs) are responsible [hyperlink] for conducting emergency sheltering operations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [hyperlink] and FEMA [hyperlink] have provided SLTTs with guidance and assistance to safely shelter disaster survivors during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This Insight discusses emergency sheltering models used by FEMA, FEMA's pandemic-modified emergency sheltering policies [hyperlink], pandemic-related emergency sheltering challenges faced by SLTTs, and policy considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2021-09-01
-
Southeastern Tornado Outbreak: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [Updated December 17, 2021]
From the Introduction: "A late-season tornado outbreak produced significant damage and numerous fatalities across portions of the southeastern United States and Ohio Valley from the evening of December 10 to the early morning of December 11, 2021. This Insight briefly overviews emergency and major disaster declarations [hyperlink] and federal assistance programs relevant to those affected by the storm. It also provides selected Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports on federal emergency management policy. [...] On December 13, 2021, President Biden approved emergency declarations authorizing PA emergency protective measures for nine counties in Tennessee [hyperlink] and 13 counties in Illinois [hyperlink]. Additional declarations for other states (or additional forms of assistance for existing declarations) may be forthcoming if the President determines that federal assistance is necessary to support state and local recovery. This information will be published in FEMA's declaration database [hyperlink]. FEMA's website [hyperlink] provides additional information on federal response efforts related to the tornado outbreak. [hyperlink]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stienstra, Lauren; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Horn, Diane P. . . .
2021-12-17
-
Climate Change, Slow-Onset Disasters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency [Updated November 12, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States is already experiencing [hyperlink] certain effects of climate change, including high temperature extremes and heavy precipitation events [hyperlink]. The U.S. Global Change Research Program, among many other bodies, expects [hyperlink] these trends to continue and intensify, likely resulting in more severe and frequent 'slow-onset [hyperlink]' events (e.g., drought; sea level rise), compound disasters [hyperlink] (e.g., extreme rainfall combined with coastal flooding), and cascading [hyperlink] events (e.g., landslides following wildfires). Such events may not have clearly defined start or end dates, and cumulative damage may not be immediately apparent. Congress may consider how these events affect the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers federal disaster relief authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [hyperlink] (Stafford Act, P.L. [Public Law] 93-288, as amended). Although FEMA does not have an explicit mission to address climate change, the agency is increasing its activities [hyperlink] related to nationwide adaptation to some of its effects [hyperlink], including extreme weather events. This Insight highlights issues FEMA may face when activating the Stafford Act for slow-onset events endemic to a changing climate. Slow-onset disasters are not mentioned or defined in the Stafford Act, FEMA's regulations, or guidance, nor are they included in existing emergency or major disaster definitions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Lee, Erica A.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2021-11-12
-
Brief Overview of FEMA's Individual Assistance Program [Updated February 16, 2022]
From the Document: "When a disaster occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may assist individuals with their recovery through the Individual Assistance (IA) program if the President authorizes such assistance pursuant to a declaration of emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; P.L. 93-288, as amended; codified at 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). [...] There is no threshold or trigger that automatically authorizes IA. Federal assistance is intended to supplement--not supplant--the local, state, territory, or tribal government's response and recovery efforts. Thus, the governor of an affected state or territory or the chief executive of an affected tribal government must request that the President declare an emergency or major disaster authorizing IA. Using information submitted by the governor or chief executive in their major disaster declaration request, FEMA evaluates specific factors to determine whether there is a need for supplemental federal assistance to individuals (i.e., IA). FEMA then provides a recommendation to the President, who has sole discretion to authorize a declaration that provides IA (the declaration approval may limit the types of IA that are authorized)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2022-02-16
-
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) [February 14, 2022]
From the Document: "When a disaster occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may assist individuals with their recovery through the Individual Assistance (IA) program if the President authorizes such assistance pursuant to a declaration of emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act[.] [...] One form of IA is the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), through which FEMA may provide financial and/or direct assistance for housing, as well as financial assistance for other needs. [...] There is no threshold or trigger that automatically authorizes IA or IHP assistance. Federal assistance is intended to supplement--not supplant--the local, state, territory, or tribal government's response and recovery efforts. Thus, the governor of an affected state or territory or the chief executive of an affected tribal government must request that the President declare an emergency or major disaster authorizing IA. Using information submitted by the governor or chief executive in their major disaster declaration request, FEMA evaluates specific factors to determine whether there is a need for supplemental federal assistance to individuals[.] [...] FEMA then provides a recommendation to the President, who has sole discretion to authorize a declaration that provides IA (the declaration approval may limit the types of IA that are authorized, to include limiting assistance to the IHP or selected types of IHP assistance)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2022-02-14
-
Potential FEMA Emergency Sheltering Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic [June 24, 2020]
From the Document: "Some hazards (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires) may result in evacuations and displacement of survivors. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, local, tribal, and territorial governments (SLTTs) are responsible for coordinating emergency sheltering support after a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may complicate efforts to provide sheltering in typical congregate settings. This Insight discusses potential emergency sheltering models previously used by FEMA and challenges posed by COVID-19, as well as policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2020-06-24
-
Brief Overview of FEMA's Individual Assistance Program [Updated August 26, 2020]
From the Document: "This In Focus provides an overview of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance (IA) program, including brief descriptions of some types of IA and the factors considered when determining whether to authorize IA pursuant to a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-08-26
-
Stafford Act Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 [March 13, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides an overview of emergency declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (hereinafter the Stafford Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). It describes the forms of assistance authorized pursuant to President Donald J. Trump's March 13, 2020 emergency declaration under the Stafford Act in all U.S. states and territories in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Erica A.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.
2020-03-13
-
2020 Hurricane Season FAQ: Federal Disaster Assistance for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated July 24, 2020]
From the Document: "This report provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding [1] emergency and major disaster declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.), including legal authorities and information related to the declaration request process; [2] types of assistance that may be available to state, territorial, and tribal governments, private nonprofit organizations, private entities, and individuals and households pursuant to a Stafford Act emergency or major disaster declaration; [3] considerations related to concurrently responding to a hurricane during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic; [4] the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), the source of funding for the Stafford Act emergency and major disaster declarations; [5] other federal assistance that may be available through the Small Business Administration (SBA); and [6] additional references. The scope of this report is limited to assistance authorized under the Stafford Act. This report does not address other forms of federal assistance that may support response to and recovery from a hurricane."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Horn, Diane P. . . .
2020-07-24
-
Potential FEMA Emergency Sheltering Options During the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated October 5, 2020]
From the Document: "Some hazards (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires) may result in evacuations and displacement of survivors. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state, local, tribal, and territorial governments (SLTTs) are responsible for coordinating emergency sheltering after a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FEMA acknowledge that the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may complicate efforts to provide emergency sheltering. This Insight discusses emergency sheltering models used by FEMA, COVID-19-related emergency sheltering policies, and challenges faced by SLTTs supporting emergency sheltering during the COVID-19 pandemic, and policy considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2020-10-05
-
Stafford Act Emergency Declarations for Attacks on Federal Property [January 12, 2021]
From the Document: "In response to an attack (or other exigency) on federal property, the President may issue a declaration of an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288, Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.). This Insight describes the types of federal assistance that may be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under an emergency declaration to support response and recovery efforts following an attack on federal property and includes historical examples of such declarations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lee, Erica A.
2021-01-12