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HR 51

A resolution to urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to immediately release 56 million dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds allocated to the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 39 co-sponsors

Urges DHS/FEMA to immediately release $56 million in Michigan FEMA funds for disaster relief and recovery; a non-binding resolution meant to pressure action.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 51

Summary — H.R. 51 (House Resolution): Urging DHS to release $56 million in FEMA funds to Michigan

Status: Introduced Jan. 3, 2025; referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (also referred for consideration to several other committees as appropriate). Classification: House resolution (non‑binding).

Main purpose

H.R. 51 is a simple House resolution that urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately release $56,000,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds that have been allocated to the state of Michigan. The resolution states the view that those funds are critical to disaster relief, emergency response, and community recovery in Michigan and that delays in releasing them risk harming public safety and recovery operations.

Key provisions

  • Expresses the House’s request (an urging) that DHS/FEMA "immediately release" $56 million allocated to Michigan.
  • Explains the rationale: the funds support disaster relief, emergency response programs, local governments, nonprofit partners, and community recovery after natural disasters or infrastructure emergencies; delays create financial strain and undermine recovery efforts.
  • Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to specified federal officials and leaders, including:
    • The President of the United States
    • The FEMA Administrator
    • The Secretary of DHS
    • The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
    • The Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate
    • Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation

Who would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Michigan state emergency management agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations involved in disaster recovery, and communities affected by disasters in Michigan.
  • Secondary: DHS/FEMA (subject of the request) and federal leaders receiving copies of the resolution.
  • Note: As a House resolution, it does not appropriate funds or change FEMA authorities — it is a formal expression of the House’s position and a request to DHS.

Expected impact and limitations

  • Practical effect: Symbolic and political pressure. If adopted, the resolution could increase public and administrative pressure on DHS/FEMA to release the funds more quickly.
  • Legal effect: Non‑binding. The resolution does not compel DHS or FEMA to act, change law, or alter appropriations.
  • Possible follow-up: Could prompt oversight inquiries, hearings, or additional legislative or appropriations measures if the funds remain withheld.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan. 3, 2025; referred to relevant committees for further consideration.
  • The resolution text and accompanying materials cite the urgency of timely federal assistance to support ongoing disaster recovery in Michigan.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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