Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Dec 2025): Held at the desk.
What this bill does
The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a single, unified system for people applying for federal disaster aid. This system would allow applicants to fill out one application for various types of disaster assistance when appropriate, and track their application status. It aims to make the process of receiving aid faster, more efficient, and equitable, while also helping to prevent waste and fraud.
This bill would affect individuals and organizations seeking disaster assistance from federal agencies. It would also impact the federal agencies that provide such assistance by requiring them to work with FEMA's unified system. The system is designed to allow agencies to communicate directly with disaster survivors and to share information about additional recovery resources.
The bill has passed the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If it passes the House, it would then be sent to the President for signature into law. The bill also requires FEMA to submit reports to Congress on its implementation and for the Government Accountability Office to report on its effects on disaster survivors.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and establish a unified intake process and system for applicants for assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency.
The system must
• facilitate a consolidated application for any form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency when appropriate to support the nature and purposes of the assistance;
• carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in accordance with specified laws and privacy and data protections; and
• support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs.
Further, the system must, among other things
• accept applications for disaster assistance programs;
Timeline
17 Dec 2025
Held at the desk.
Common questions
- What does S. 861 do?
- The Disaster Assistance Simplification Act would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a single, unified system for people applying for federal disaster aid. This system would allow applicants to fill out one application for various types of disaster assistance when appropriate, and track their application status. It aims to make the process of receiving aid faster, more efficient, and equitable, while also helping to prevent waste and fraud. This bill would affect individuals and organizations seeking disaster assistance from federal agencies. It would also impact the federal agencies that provide such assistance by requiring them to work with FEMA's unified system. The system is designed to allow agencies to communicate directly with disaster survivors and to share information about additional recovery resources. The bill has passed the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If it passes the House, it would then be sent to the President for signature into law. The bill also requires FEMA to submit reports to Congress on its implementation and for the Government Accountability Office to report on its effects on disaster survivors.
- Has S. 861 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 861. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 861?
- S. 861 was sponsored by Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (D-MI), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 861?
- Held at the desk. (17 Dec 2025).
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