“Each year there are a number of emergencies that do not meet the specific requirements of a federal disaster declaration simply because of bureaucratic hurdles that prevents FEMA from lending a helping hand.” Ross said. “I am proud to introduce this common sense legislation so that FEMA can no longer cite bureaucratic red tape as an excuse for failing to help people in their time of need.”

Ross’ legislation, H.R. 3969, amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to transfer excess materials, supplies and equipment to state governments, local governments or voluntary organizations for the purpose of assisting victims in major disasters and emergencies that do not result in an official federal disaster declaration.

“We have been fighting this battle for far too long, because FEMA has failed to effectively fulfill their duty of providing support and assistance during emergencies,” Ross said. “It has been an embarrassment for FEMA to have thousands of brand new manufactured homes sitting in a field in Hope, Arkansas, for over two years now. I have fought in Washington to have these units moved to people who require emergency shelter after hurricanes and tornadoes, but FEMA has not answered the call.”

Ross said his legislation will also require FEMA to work in cooperation with state and local emergency management associations to review, update and revise the factors that are used to determine whether to provide individual assistance during a disaster.

Ross introduced his bipartisan legislation with Rep. John Mica (FL-07).

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