zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide the interest rate to be charged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for loans made to small businesses beginning on January 1, 2011, and ending four years after the date of enactment of this Act in major disaster areas. Requires such rate to be the lesser of 4% or one-half the prevailing rate for similar loans in the area for those unable to attain credit elsewhere, or three-fourths the prevailing rate for those able to attain credit elsewhere. Requires the SBA Administrator to refund excess interest payments made by qualifying borrowers before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on whether the reduced rate has resulted in: (1) a greater number of applications for disaster-related loans, (2) a greater number of approvals for such loans, or (3) a decreased default rate. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to any presidential election held after 2012, from making any payments from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (Fund) to any national committee of a political party for political nominating conventions.

Date: 2012-08-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
Claims Licensing Advancement for Interstate Matters Act or CLAIM Act - Authorizes an independent claims adjuster meeting specified requirements to adjust claims for losses related to any disaster occurring in any jurisdiction designated by the President as a major disaster pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, regardless of state licensure requirements governing the major disaster area. Requires an adjuster to: (1) hold a valid license in his or her home state, and (2) have passed any multi-state examination established and administered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Urges NAIC to: (1) adopt a certain model independent claims adjuster licensing Act, and (2) develop and administer a multi-state examination for an independent claims adjuster seeking to adjust claims in a jurisdiction other than his or her home state. Sets forth criteria for state compliance with this Act, including reciprocity. Authorizes any independent claims adjuster meeting the requirements of this Act to ascertain, determine, negotiate, or settle a claim in a state that is not in compliance with this Act. Prohibits such a state from imposing additional requirements upon such an adjuster.

Date: 2012-09-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Investment Savings Access After Catastrophes Act of 2012 - Defines "Hurricane Isaac disaster area" for purposes of this Act as any parish or county of Louisiana or Mississippi in an area in which a major disaster has been declared before September 10, 2012, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by reason of Hurricane Isaac. Provides for tax preferences in the Hurricane Isaac disaster area, including: (1) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for personal casualty losses, (2) an extension of the carryback period for net operating losses, and (3) tax-free distributions from a retirement plan made on or after August 26, 2012, and before September 11, 2014, to an individual whose principal place of abode on August 26, 2012, was located in the Hurricane Isaac disaster area and who sustained an economic loss due to Hurricane Isaac. Rescinds unobligated funds in an amount equal to the reduction in revenues resulting from the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2012-09-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Natural Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding the estimated loss costs associated with reinsurance protection contracts. Requires the Secretary to implement a program that utilizes premiums from eligible state or multi-state plans to pre-fund future natural catastrophe recovery by making available for purchase, only by such plans, contracts for reinsurance coverage. Requires such contracts to cover insured property losses covered under primary insurance contracts to homeowners, mobile home owners, renters, and condominium owners for specified natural perils. Prescribes requirements for the operation of state plans and the terms of reinsurance contracts. Encourages states to create and maintain catastrophe funds for themselves or with other states. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of insured losses and maximum federal liability. Establishes in the Treasury the Catastrophe Preparedness Fund, consisting of contract sales receipts and any amounts borrowed or earned, which shall be used to pay Commission administrative costs and loss payments under reinsurance contracts. Prohibits the authorization or appropriation of federal funds for the Fund or for implementing the reinsurance liquidity protection program. Establishes a post-catastrophe market stabilization program for liquidity loans to: (1) expedite payment of claims under state catastrophe insurance programs, (2) authorize the Secretary to issue loans to assist financial recovery from significant natural catastrophes, and (3) promote the availability of private capital to state catastrophe insurance programs in order to provide liquidity and capacity. Establishes the National Readiness, Preparedness and Mitigation Committee to administer a Readiness, Preparedness, and Mitigation Grant Program of grants to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate public and private entities to develop programs and initiatives to improve disaster response, citizen preparedness and protection, and prevention and mitigation of losses from natural catastrophes.

Date: 2012-09-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
FEMA Reform Act of 2012 - Requires: (1) 50% of the amount estimated for a preliminary damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for any state or local government to be released to such government not later than three days after such assessment is completed, and (2) hazard mitigation funding for a state under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to be disseminated within areas of the state in proportion to the damage of a major disaster in such areas. Permits the President, in addition to authorizing the repair, restoration, or replacement of federal facilities damaged by a major disaster, to make contributions to a state or local government to repair, restore, or replace vehicles and equipment, particularly those used for public safety, transportation, and service. Allows the actual cash value of such a vehicle or equipment that is more than 50% damaged to be used to replace it. Authorizes the President to provide financial assistance under the Stafford Act to repair permanent structures, including rental units, necessary for temporary or transitional housing in areas affected by a major disaster. Requires: (1) FEMA to establish a recruiting and training office in a major disaster area as soon as possible to facilitate the hiring of local individuals to assist with public assistance applications for any major disaster that will require FEMA employees to be available in such area for an extended period; and (2) FEMA, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate, complete, and publish a report outlining recommendations to public and private utilities, including electrical, water, sewer, and telecommunications, to reduce service interruptions during and after a hurricane.

Date: 2012-09-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Mass Fatality Planning and Religious Considerations Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide guidance to and coordination with appropriate individuals, including representatives from different communities, private sector businesses, and nonprofit and religious organizations, to prepare for and respond to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in mass fatalities.

Date: 2012-09-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Hurricane Sandy Recovery and Rebuilding Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2013 for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) for the Corps of Engineers for flood control and coastal emergencies for recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy; (2) the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the Disaster Loans Program Account for the cost of direct loans to repair, rehabilitate, or replace property damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster; and (3) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Disaster Relief Fund for recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, and for the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program Account for the cost of direct loans authorized under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to assist state and local governments affected by Hurricane Sandy. Applies Stafford Act provisions regarding community disaster loans to: (1) authorize the President to make loans to state or local governments (currently, limited to local governments) which suffer a substantial loss of tax and other revenues as a result of a major disaster that have demonstrated a need for financial assistance to perform governmental functions; and (2) permit any such loan to exceed $5 million and to be equal to not more than 50% of the annual operating budget of the state or local government in any case in which such government has suffered a loss of 25% or more in tax revenues due to Hurricane Sandy.

Date: 2012-11-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Fire-Damaged Home Rebuilding Act of 2012 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prohibit certain mandatory land use and control measures in an area from being considered to be in compliance with land management criteria for participation in the flood insurance program unless those measures authorize the granting of a variance from compliance for a residential structure located in an area having special flood hazards but which is substantially damaged, instead, by non-flood related causes. Requires such a variance to allow for the repair and restoration of the structure to its predamaged condition on its original location without any higher elevation, but only if its owner at the time of the damage repairs and restores the structure for continued occupancy. Allows a variance to be granted only by the appropriate regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), subject to specified considerations. Requires chargeable flood insurance premium rates for a residential structure granted such a variance to equal, after repair and restoration, the rates which would have been applicable if the structure had not been substantially damaged, repaired, and restored under the variance.

Date: 2012-11-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Wildfire Suppressing Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to provide that provisions permitting an agency to order goods or services from that or another agency only if such goods or services cannot be provided as conveniently or cheaply by a commercial enterprise shall not limit the use of interagency agreements with the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve to procure the services of a unit of the Guard or Reserve to conduct Defense Support to Civil Authority missions utilizing military fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft, including Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) units, in the initial airborne response to fighting wildfires. Makes such limitation inapplicable only when the Incident Commander determines: (1) that privately contracted fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft are unavailable, (2) it is necessary for military fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft including MAFFS units to perform an initial airborne response, or (3) that military fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft including MAFFS units are needed to supplement privately contracted fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft.

Date: 2012-12-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Hurricane Sandy Tax Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy, including: an exemption from the gross income limitation for deducting casualty losses attributable to Hurricane Sandy; expensing allowances for Hurricane Sandy disaster expenses, disaster assistance property, and environmental remediation expenses; treatment of losses attributable to Hurricane Sandy as net operating losses; suspension of mortgage revenue bond requirements for residences located in the Hurricane Sandy disaster area; an increased charitable tax deduction for Hurricane Sandy disaster relief contributions; a special allocation of the new markets tax credit for investments in community development entities serving the disaster area; special adjustments to the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit for individuals living in the disaster area; a work opportunity tax credit for hiring employees residing in the disaster area; authorization for issuance of Hurricane Sandy bonds to finance disaster relief projects; and an additional allocation of low-income housing credits in states affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Date: 2012-12-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in coordination with the National Academy of Engineering, to conduct and submit to Congress a full audit of hurricane protection funding and cost estimates associated with post-Katrina hurricane protection.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Local Disaster Contracting Fairness Act of 2011- Prohibits the head of an executive agency from entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts unless the agreement specifies that: (1) all of the work under the contract will be performed by the prime contractor or one or more subcontractors at one tier under the contract; (2) any work performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors, except to the extent that local subcontractors are not available to perform any such work; (3) the prime contractor will act as the project manager or construction manager for the contract; and (4) the prime contractor has primary responsibility for managing all work under the contract and will be paid a certain percentage of the overall value of the contract as sole compensation for assuming the risk associated with such responsibility. Requires the agency head, in entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to give preference in the source selection process to each offeror who certifies that any work that is to be performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors.

Date: 2011-01-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring Program Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring Program, consisting of a national volcano watch office and data center, to oversee and coordinate the activities of USGS regional volcano watch and data centers. Sets forth as Program purposes: (1) to monitor and study volcanic activity throughout the United States at a level commensurate with the threat, and (2) to warn and protect people and property from harm. Requires the Secretary to prepare a management plan for the Program, which shall include: (1) annual cost estimates of operating the Program and updating the data collection, monitoring, and analysis systems; (2) annual standards and performance goals; and (3) recommendations for establishing or enhancing partnerships with state agencies or universities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or partnerships under which state agencies or universities are designated as volcano observatory partners for the Program. Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities under this Act with the heads of relevant federal agencies, including the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to support research and monitoring of volcanic activities in furtherance of this Act.

Date: 2011-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by eligible state programs designed to: (1) promote the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state earthquake (specifically, residential property) insurance programs, and (2) expedite the payment of claims under such programs and better assist financial recovery from significant earthquakes. Prescribes operational requirements for eligible state programs which include an established earthquake insurance program that: (1) offers residential property insurance coverage for insured losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses; and (2) does not require insurers to pool resources to provide property insurance coverage for earthquakes. Includes among such operational requirements that the state: (1) has in effect and enforces, or the appropriate local governments within the state have in effect and enforce, nationally recognized building, seismic-design, and safety codes and consensus-based standards; and (2) has taken actions to establish an insurance rate structure that takes into account measures to mitigate insured losses. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for certification of an eligible state program. Limits to $5 billion, including interest, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations guaranteed by the Secretary. Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an eligible state program, to provide such debt guarantees. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under this Act.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Program (Program) under which the Administrator may waive, for up to three years and $15,000 total, the interest payments of small businesses that resume operations in a declared disaster area during the period beginning on: (1) September 1, 2005, and ending on October 1, 2006, for loans relating to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita of 2005; or (2) September 1, 2008, and ending on January 1, 2009, for loans relating to Hurricanes Gustav or Ike of 2008. Includes under the Program any small business that demonstrates substantial economic injury as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20, 2010.

Date: 2011-03-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2011 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]) to establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative to: (1) conduct research to enable improvement of the understanding and prediction of hurricanes and other tropical storms, development of infrastructure that is resilient to the forces associated with such storms, mitigation of the impacts of hurricanes on coastal populations, the coastal built environment, and natural resources, and improvement of communication with the public about hurricane forecasts and risks associated with hurricanes to reduce the harmful impacts of hurricanes and improve society's response to destructive storms; and (2) provide training for the next generation of hurricane researchers and forecasters. Directs the Under Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), to: (1) develop a five-year implementation plan for the Initiative, to be revised at least every five years; (2) establish objectives for hurricane research; (3) facilitate the establishment of a public website for the Initiative; and (4) submit to Congress a coordinated annual report for the Initiative. Allows the Under Secretary to carry out a series of national workshops and conferences to address hurricane-related research questions. Requires: (1) the NSF Director to establish a program to award grants for hurricane research; (2) the Under Secretary to carry out related research; and (3) each entity carrying out research under this Act to collaborate with existing federal and federally funded research centers operating in related fields, for-profit organizations, and governments to gather and share experiential information and to advance scientific and engineering knowledge, technology transfer, and technology commercialization in the course of conducting research and its application to mitigating the impacts of hurricanes and other tropical storms on society.

Date: 2011-03-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to make any property otherwise in compliance with the national flood insurance program eligible for flood insurance even it has a swimming pool located at ground level or in the space below the lowest floor of a building which is enclosed with non-supporting breakaway walls after November 30 and before June 1 (outside hurricane season).

Date: 2011-05-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Consumer Option for an Alternative System To Allocate Losses Act of 2011 or COASTAL Act of 2011 - Amends the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 to direct the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop an assessment model for determining the magnitude and variations of coastal storm surges and wind speeds associated with named storms (Named Storm Event Model). Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify named storms that may constitute a threat to the coastal zone, (2) develop a post-event assessment for such named storm, (3) establish a specified protocol to collect and assemble all requisite data to produce post-event assessments, (4) identify federal and state systems capable of collecting such data, and (5) establish the Coastal Wind and Water Event Database. Directs the Comptroller General to audit federal efforts to collect such data. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a system for allocating losses among certain insurers providing coverage against property losses due to wind and water peril. Prescribes procedures allocation of indeterminate loss claims and their payment. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an arbitration panel for appeals regarding loss allocation for resolving indeterminate claims. Flood Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA) to extend through FY2016 the National Flood Insurance Program and the financing for it. Prohibits the Administrator of FEMA from extending a certain subsidy to new or lapsed policies. Requires adjustment of the flood insurance risk premium rate for property in an area participating in the national flood insurance program to reflect the current risk of flood to such property. Requires the Administrator of FEMA to make flood insurance available in only those states or areas that have given satisfactory assurance that by December 31, 2012, state-chartered lending institutions not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund shall be subject to state regulations consistent with NFIA flood insurance purchase and compliance requirements. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to: (1) increase the maximum civil money penalty against regulated lenders for failure to require flood insurance, (2) modify requirements for the escrow of flood insurance payments, and (3) require policyholder notification by a regulated lending institution that insurance coverage may cease upon policyholder's final mortgage payment.Requires the Administrator of FEMA to continue to work with the insurance industry, state insurance regulators, and other interested parties to implement certain minimum training and education standards for all insurance agents who sell flood insurance policies.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
FEMA Common Sense and Cost Effectiveness Act of 2011 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize the construction and maintenance of levees on property acquired under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) hazard mitigation grant programs, including: (1) a levee that is federally owned and operated; (2) a permanent levee that is federally constructed and nonfederally operated and maintained; (3) a levee that is federally constructed as a nonpermanent levee, that a nonfederal entity desires to operate and maintain as a permanent levee, and the owners of which are participating in, or, in a specified period after the date on which the levee is constructed, will begin participating in, the emergency response to natural disasters program; and (4) a nonfederal levee the owners of which are participating in the program. Authorizes an application to construct or maintain a levee on acquired lands to be denied if the levee poses a significant threat of harm to downstream communities.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), notwithstanding existing limitations on the assistance available to disabled veterans eligible for specially adapted housing grants, to award grants to veterans whose homes were previously adapted with such assistance if the adapted home used and occupied by the veteran was destroyed or substantially damaged in a natural or other disaster. Requires any such awarded post-disaster adapted housing grant to be available to acquire a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the veteran's disability along with the land for such housing. Permits the Secretary to: (1) extend up to an additional two months the subsistence allowances of veterans displaced by such disasters while satisfactorily following a program of employment services prescribed in a vocational rehabilitation program for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) provide or assist in providing a second automobile or other specified conveyance to eligible disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces if an automobile or other conveyance previously purchased with assistance was destroyed by such a disaster through no fault of the individual and without compensation by a property insurer; and (3) in determining whether certain real estate housing loans are secured by a first lien, disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien created by a duly recorded covenant running with the realty in favor of a public entity that has provided or will provide assistance in response to a major disaster as determined by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Southeastern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2011 - Extends certain disaster-related tax relief provisions to the Southeastern disaster area.  Defines "Southeastern disaster area" as an area with respect to which a major disaster has been declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe storms, tornados, or flooding occurring after April 13, 2011, and before June 7, 2011, in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Rescinds $12 billion of appropriated discretionary unexpired and unobligated federal funds to implement this Act.

Date: 2011-06-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to: (1) make communities that reconstruct and improve flood protection systems (in addition to constructing them) eligible for premium flood insurance rates under such Act; and (2) allow entities that own, operate, maintain, or repair flood protection systems (instead of a federal agency) to determine whether a flood protection system is restorable.

Date: 2011-06-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to state that, if a flood has commenced or is in progress before expiration of the 30-day waiting period before a new or modified flood insurance policy becomes effective, the insurance coverage shall take effect upon the expiration of such 30-day period. Allows coverage for damage occurring after expiration of the waiting period, however, only if the property has not suffered damage or loss as a result of such flood before the waiting period expires.

Date: 2011-07-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Emergency Management Assistance Compact Act of 2011 - Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to authorize the use of Emergency Management Assistance Compact grants to: (1) educate emergency response providers by offering training materials and courses relating to the Compact; (2) conduct exercises regarding deployments under the Compact and related procedures; (3) establish a system for tracking resources deployed under the Compact; and (4) conduct after-action assessments, prepare reports, and carry out recommendations in response to large-scale activations, as determined appropriate by Compact administrators. Authorizes appropriations for Compact grants for FY2012-FY2016.

Date: 2011-07-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Gulf Coast Disadvantaged Business Relief Act of 2011 - Permits any small business located in a Louisiana parish or Mississippi or Alabama county that was designated by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a disaster area by reason of Hurricane Katrina or Rita while it was participating in a SBA small business and capital ownership development program to continue participation and eligibility in such program for an additional 24 months.

Date: 2011-09-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2010, through December 31, 2011. Continues through December 31, 2011, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program.

Date: 2011-09-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Safeguarding Disaster Funding Act of 2011- Requires the President's annual budget, submitted to Congress, to include an allowance for disaster funding of at least the average amount of disaster funding for the previous ten years, excluding the highest and lowest years. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to calculate this allowance for the President. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to redefine “disaster relief” to conform to the meaning of “disaster funding” in this Act.

Date: 2011-09-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Storm Shelter Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction, up to $2,500 in a taxable year, for the cost (including labor) of purchasing, constructing, and installing a qualified storm shelter.  Terminates such deduction after 2012. Rescinds unobligated funds from the Community Development Fund authorized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010 and the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011.

Date: 2011-09-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Small Business Disaster Assistance Act of 2011 - Reduces temporarily, through September 30, 2014, the interest rate on the federal share of certain Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans (to repair, rehabilitate, replace, or refinance property damaged or destroyed by or as a result of a natural or other disaster) made to businesses on or after August 26, 2011. Sets forth temporary rates of: (1) 1% per year, in the case of a business concern unable to obtain credit elsewhere; and (2) 3% per year, in the case of a business concern able to obtain credit elsewhere.

Date: 2011-10-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2010, through September 30, 2012. Continues through December 31, 2011, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 to repeal the termination of such authority as of November 18, 2011.

Date: 2011-11-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Redundant Remapping Reform Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from updating or publishing a National Flood Insurance Program rate map during a covered period with respect to an area protected by a levee that is undergoing accreditation, planning, construction, or rehabilitation. Instructs the Administrator to publish a notice to be used by owners of qualified levees to disclose to persons affected by such levees. Requires owners of qualified levees to provide such notice to each person identified as affected by the qualified levee.

Date: 2011-12-16
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Preparedness and Resilience Foundation Act - Establishes the Preparedness and Resilience Foundation as a nonprofit, private corporation to support and carry out activities that: (1) promote the resilience of individuals, communities, structures, and systems against natural disasters and terrorist attacks and other human caused disasters; and (2) build and sustain capabilities of the public, private, and civic sectors to work together to prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all such hazards. Directs the Foundation to establish an Endowment Fund for providing endowments for positions that are associated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and dedicated to the Foundation's purpose. Includes among Foundation activities providing for: (1) fellowship programs among state, local, and tribal officials to work and study in association with each other and FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (2) international exchange programs for voluntary or reciprocal service by officials engaged in preparedness or resilience activities; and (3) programs to improve the collection and analysis of data on preparedness and resilience programs, practices, activities, and events. Authorizes the FEMA Administrator to: (1) accept any gift or devise of property and any voluntary service provided by the Foundation for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of FEMA; and (2) provide to the Foundation facilities, utilities, and support services as determined to be advantageous to FEMA or DHS programs. Establishes a committee to incorporate, provide for initial operation of, and appoint the initial Board of Directors of, the Foundation.

Date: 2012-03-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
National Forest Emergency Response Act - Declares that the fire hazard and human endangerment in national forests to be designated by the Secretary of Agriculture constitute emergency circumstances. Directs the Secretary to designate (for up to 10 years) at least one national forest in each state that is experiencing conditions that constitute emergency circumstances due to pine beetle infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage and the resulting imminent risk of devastating wildfire that poses significant threat to the economic stability of surrounding areas and the health, safety, and well-being of residents, firefighters, and visitors. Makes provisions of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act regarding hazardous fuel reduction on federal land (including environmental analysis requirements, the special administrative review process, and the judicial review process) applicable to all Forest Service projects and activities implementing the land and resource management plan developed for the designated national forests during the term of the emergency circumstances, subject to specified modifications by the Secretary. Requires a project conducted in a designated national forest under this Act that comprises less than 10,000 acres (with exceptions, including components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, any federal land on which the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited by Act of Congress or presidential proclamation, or a congressionally designated wilderness study area) to be considered an action categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Prohibits a U.S. court from issuing any restraining order, preliminary injunction, or injunction pending appeal regarding any decision to engage in remedial action or to prepare, advertise, offer, award, or operate a timber sale in a designated forest. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with a state forester to provide forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection services on national forest system land in that state.

Date: 2012-03-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government (the person recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as the chief elected administrative officer of that government) to submit a request for a declaration by the President that, consistent with requirements of that Act, a major disaster or an emergency exists. Provides that: (1) in implementing assistance authorized by the President in response to such requests, references to "state" and "governor" shall mean "Indian tribal government" (the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994) and the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government; and (2) nothing in this Act shall prohibit a tribal government from receiving such assistance through a presidential declaration at the request of a state if the President does not make a declaration under this Act for the same incident. Allows any non-federal contribution required to be paid by an Indian tribal government under such Act to be adjusted or waived in accordance with criteria established by the President. Directs the President, in promulgating regulations to carry out this Act, to consider unique conditions that affect the general welfare of the affected federally recognized Indian tribe.

Date: 2012-03-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Fairness in Federal Disaster Declarations Act of 2012 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to amend the rules concerning the factors FEMA considers when evaluating a governor's request for a major disaster declaration to provide that, with respect to the evaluation of the need for public assistance: (1) specific weighted valuations shall be assigned to the estimated cost of the assistance (10%), localized impacts (40%), insurance coverage in force (10%), hazard mitigation (10%), recent multiple disasters (10%), programs of other federal assistance (10%), and economic circumstances (10%); and (2) FEMA shall consider the economic circumstances of both the local economy of the affected area (including the local assessable tax base and local sales tax, median income, and poverty rate) and the state economy (including the unemployment rate). Requires such rules to provide that, with respect to the evaluation of the severity, magnitude, and impact of the disaster and the evaluation of the need for assistance to individuals: (1) specific weighted valuations shall be assigned to concentration of damages (20%), trauma (20%), special populations (20%), voluntary agency assistance (10%), insurance (20%), average amount of individual assistance by state (5%), and economic considerations (5%); and (2) FEMA shall consider the economic circumstances of the affected area (including the local assessable tax base and local sales tax, median income, and poverty rate).

Date: 2012-04-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through December 31, 2012. Continues through December 31, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program.

Date: 2012-04-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through June 30, 2012. Continues through June 30, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program.

Date: 2012-05-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through July 31, 2012. Continues through July 31, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program.

Date: 2012-05-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increase in 2012, 2013, and 2014 of the amount of the low-income housing tax credit that may be allocated in states containing counties covered by the natural disaster declaration of the Secretary of Agriculture in 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.

Date: 2012-05-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to exempt from the statutory 30-day waiting period for a new contract for flood insurance coverage the initial purchase of flood insurance coverage for private property if: (1) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines that the property is subject to elevated risk of flood due to wildfire on federal land, and (2) such coverage was purchased within 60 days after the fire containment date relating to the wildfire that caused the post-wildfire conditions.

Date: 2012-06-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Superstorm Sandy Unemployment Relief Act of 2012 - Directs the President, in the case of an individual eligible to receive unemployment assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the disaster declaration made for Hurricane Sandy after October 20, 2012, to make such assistance available for 39 weeks after the date of the declaration (currently limited to 26 weeks). Requires the payments to a state to equal 100% of the amount of unemployment compensation paid under state law to affected individuals in each affected state or any area within it. Makes payments available until July 23, 2013. Makes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.

Date: 2012-12-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Labor and employment
Provides assistance, from Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated, for watersheds adversely affected by qualifying natural disasters.

Date: 2012-12-11
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to apply escrow requirements for flood insurance payments to residential improved real estate or a mobile home (currently, such requirements apply to improved real estate or a mobile home).

Date: 2012-12-12
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Strengthening The Resiliency of Our Nation on the Ground Act or the STRONG Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish and chair an interagency working group with cabinet-level representation from all relevant federal agencies in order to: (1) provide a strategic vision of extreme weather resilience; (2) conduct a gap and overlap analysis of federal agencies' current and planned activities related to achieving short- and long-term resilience to extreme weather and its impacts on the United States, such as flooding and drought; and (3) develop a National Extreme Weather Resilience Plan. Requires the Plan to include the establishment of an online, publicly available information clearinghouse to be used by federal agencies and other stakeholders to inform resilience-enhancing efforts and to build off and complement existing federal efforts. Provides for a coordinating entity to establish and maintain such clearinghouse. Requires such coordinating entity to coordinate the implementation of the Plan and to track its progress. Requires the submission of specified reports.

Date: 2012-12-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through May 31, 2012. Continues through May 31, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 to repeal the termination of such authority as of November 18, 2011.

Date: 12/7/2011
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector