Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

Senate Bill

S. 861

119th Congress

Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

Held at the desk.

Introduced:Dec 17, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Gary Peters

D - MI

Cosponsors

5

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Emergency Management

Summary

This comprehensive legislation streamlines federal disaster assistance by creating a unified intake process across all disaster assistance agencies. It establishes a single application system that allows disaster survivors to apply for multiple programs (FEMA, SBA loans, food assistance) simultaneously, share information between agencies, and receive status updates through one portal.

Latest Action

Held at the desk.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This comprehensive legislation streamlines federal disaster assistance by creating a unified intake process across all disaster assistance agencies. It establishes a single application system that allows disaster survivors to apply for multiple programs (FEMA, SBA loans, food assistance) simultaneously, share information between agencies, and receive status updates through one portal.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates unified disaster assistance intake process across all federal agencies
Allows consolidated application for FEMA, SBA loans, and food assistance
Enables information sharing between disaster assistance agencies
FEMA must establish system within 360 days of enactment
Includes privacy protections and data security requirements
Waives Paperwork Reduction Act during declared emergencies

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill directly benefits disaster survivors by eliminating the need to provide the same information to multiple agencies and file separate applications. FEMA and other disaster assistance agencies would operate more efficiently with shared data. State and local emergency management agencies benefit from streamlined coordination. The bill is particularly important for communities recovering from hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other major disasters. Currently "held at the desk" in the House after passing the Senate.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Emergency Management

Related Subjects

Computer security and identity theft

Computers and information technology

Congressional oversight

Crime prevention

Disaster relief and insurance

Emergency communications systems

Emergency planning and evacuation

First responders and emergency personnel

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Government information and archives

+4 more

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

861, 119th Congress (2025). "Disaster Assistance Simplification Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-861