Summary of HR 153: Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

Purpose and Intent

The Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act (HR 153) aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the distribution of federal disaster assistance. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive online platform that provides real-time data on disaster relief funding, ensuring that affected communities can track the allocation and use of resources following a disaster.

Key Provisions

• Online Accountability Platform: The bill mandates the creation of an online system where information regarding federal disaster assistance can be accessed by the public. This platform will include:

  • Details on funding amounts allocated to specific disasters.
  • Information on how funds are being utilized by various agencies and organizations.
  • Updates on the status of ongoing recovery efforts.

• Reporting Requirements: Federal agencies involved in disaster response will be required to submit regular reports detailing their expenditures and the impact of the assistance provided.

• Stakeholder Engagement: The bill encourages collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to ensure that the platform is user-friendly and meets the needs of disaster-affected communities.

Who Would Be Affected

• Disaster-Affected Communities: Individuals and families impacted by natural disasters will benefit from increased transparency regarding the assistance available to them.
• Federal Agencies: Agencies responsible for disaster response and recovery will need to adapt their reporting and accountability practices to comply with the new requirements.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations involved in disaster relief efforts will have access to detailed information that can help them coordinate their activities and better serve affected populations.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

• Introduced: January 3, 2025
• House Actions:
  • The bill was passed in the House on January 14, 2025, with overwhelming support (426-0).
  • It underwent a series of debates and motions, including a motion to suspend the rules for expedited consideration.
• Senate Actions:
  • The bill was received in the Senate on January 15, 2025, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further consideration.

Related Legislation

• Companion Bill: The Senate version of this bill is identified as S 1619, which is intended to address similar issues of accountability in disaster assistance.

This summary provides an overview of HR 153, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on communities and agencies involved in disaster recovery efforts. The bill represents a significant step towards improving the transparency of federal disaster assistance programs.