To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide substance use and alcohol use disorder services, and for other purposes.
In Committee
Introduced:Nov 21, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Marcy Kaptur
Representative
Democratic
OH-9
Cosponsors
10
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Emergency Management
Summary
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on the assistance and resources they provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, during major disasters. The goal is to identify any legal barriers or gaps in support for these vulnerable populations.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 118-123.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on the assistance and resources they provide to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, during major disasters. The goal is to identify any legal barriers or gaps in support for these vulnerable populations.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Think Differently About Emergencies Act</strong></p> <p>This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress regarding assistance and resources provided by FEMA to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the families of such individuals who are impacted by major disasters.</p> <p>Specifically, FEMA must report within 120 days of this bill's enactment, describing the assistance and resources that FEMA provides to such individuals and families through states, localities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals.</p> <p>Further, FEMA and GAO must each (1) review such assistance and resources, (2) identify potential legal impediments to providing such assistance and resources, and (3) provide recommendations to Congress.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
FEMA must report to Congress within 120 days on the assistance and resources it provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families during major disasters.
FEMA and GAO must review this assistance, identify any legal obstacles, and provide recommendations to Congress on how to improve support.
The bill aims to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, receive the necessary aid and resources during emergencies and natural disasters.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would directly impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families, by potentially improving the emergency assistance and support they receive from the government during major disasters. This could make a real difference in the lives of a vulnerable population that often faces unique challenges during crises.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Emergency Management
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Disaster relief and insurance
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
6249, 119th Congress (2025). "To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide substance use and alcohol use disorder services, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-6249
