Disaster Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2008

Bill: 110-hr-6658
Sponsor: Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]
Introduced: 2008-07-30 in the House
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Building construction
Department of Homeland Security
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency planning and evacuation
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
First responders and emergency personnel
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government trust funds
Housing and community development funding
Housing finance and home ownership
Intergovernmental relations

Summary:
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: 
Disaster Response, Recovery and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) require the President to award financial assistance under the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program on a competitive basis; and (2) authorize continuing appropriations for such program through FY2011.

Requires: (1) the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system; and (2) the Administrator to establish an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee.

Makes temporary FEMA employees hired in the aftermath of a disaster eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.

Authorizes the President to transfer excess materials, supplies, or equipment acquired for response or recovery efforts in connection with a major disaster or emergency to a state, local government, or relief organization to assist victims of other major disasters, emergencies, or incidents.

 Directs the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources; (3) designate task forces to participate in the System and determine participation criteria; and (4) enter into annual preparedness cooperative agreements with sponsoring agencies.

Provides for the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund.

Authorizes the President to: (1) increase disaster mitigation assistance to states that are actively enforcing approved building codes; and (2) provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments for individuals and families who, because of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, are at imminent risk of dispossession or eviction from a residence.

Authorizes FEMA to rescue and shelter animals during disasters and emergencies.

Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the Citizen Corps and the Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (2) make grants for implementation of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Discharged.
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2008-07-30
text: Introduced in House