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HR 7461

FEMA Accountability Act

119th Congress Introduced by Wesley Bell and 1 co-sponsor

The bill aims to strengthen FEMA oversight, transparency, and accountability by enhancing reporting, auditing, and program effectiveness in disaster relief.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
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Bill Summary · HR 7461

Summary of HR 7461 (119th Congress) – FEMA Accountability Act

Main purpose and intent

The FEMA Accountability Act is designed to enhance accountability and oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). While the full text would provide exact mechanisms, the bill’s labels and typical scope suggest goals such as improving transparency in FEMA programs, strengthening reporting and oversight to Congress, and ensuring efficient use of disaster relief funds. The bill is positioned within the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's jurisdiction and specifically targets emergency management activities administered by FEMA.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated based on title and committee actions)

  • Oversight enhancements: Provisions likely require more rigorous reporting to Congress on FEMA programs, including performance metrics, program outcomes, and programmatic risk assessments.
  • Financial accountability: Provisions may establish or tighten requirements for tracking, auditing, and auditing access related to disaster relief funds and Federal Emergency Management Agency expenditures.
  • Program effectiveness: Potential requirements for evaluations of FEMA initiatives, including timelines for completion of post-disaster recovery efforts and measures of impact on affected communities.
  • Compliance and transparency: Possible mandates for public-facing reporting or accessible data on FEMA grants, contracts, and procurement related to emergency management.
  • Administrative processes: May address internal controls, whistleblower protections related to FEMA operations, or procedures to address fraud, waste, and abuse in disaster assistance programs.

Note: The exact text of the bill would specify the precise nature of these provisions, including definitions, what programs are covered, and the specific reporting or oversight deadlines.

Who would be affected

  • FEMA and related federal agencies: Primary implementers of the provisions, adapting internal controls, reporting, and oversight practices as required.
  • Congress: Members and committees with jurisdiction (especially House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management) would receive enhanced reporting and oversight information.
  • State, local, and tribal partners and disaster-affected communities: Beneficiaries of FEMA programs could see changes in transparency, accountability, and potentially the efficiency of disaster assistance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House and assigned to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Referral sequence:
    • Introduced 2026-02-10
    • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
    • Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management (2026-02-11)
  • Next steps: If the bill advances, it would proceed through subcommittee markup, full committee consideration, and, potentially, floor debate and a vote. If passed, it would move to the Senate (if applicable) and undergo a separate reconciliation or approval process.

Co-sponsors

  • Wesley Bell (Co-sponsor)
  • Jared Moskowitz (Co-sponsor)

Practical considerations for readers

  • The bill appears to emphasize strengthening oversight and accountability for FEMA, with a focus on financial stewardship, program effectiveness, and transparency.
  • Specific dollar figures, timelines, and defined program scopes would be detailed in the bill’s text; readers should consult the full bill for exact requirements, affected programs, and any phase-in schedules.
  • Stakeholders including emergency managers, state and local governments, and disaster assistance recipients may experience changes in reporting expectations and program administration if enacted.

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

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