Rep. Robert Garcia introduces bill to protect disaster survivors from premature FEMA denials

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Garcia (D-CA) has introduced the Fair Disaster Assistance Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing premature denials of federal assistance for disaster survivors.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), seeks to ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not reject aid applications before a final decision has been made on insurance claims for disaster-related losses.

“Disaster survivors shouldn't be left in the dark or forced to navigate complex red tape during their most vulnerable moments,” Garcia said in a statement. “That’s why we’re making sure FEMA no longer sends premature and confusing denial notices, allowing families to better focus on their recovery.”

The issue has been particularly pressing in the aftermath of recent natural disasters, including wildfires in California, Hurricane Milton in Florida, and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Under current policies, FEMA may issue denial notices to applicants with pending insurance claims, even before those claims have been finalized. This practice can cause confusion and delay critical aid for individuals trying to rebuild.

Edwards, whose district in North Carolina was impacted by Hurricane Helene, emphasized that disaster victims deserve a fair and simple process. “Western North Carolinians have been through enough after Hurricane Helene, and getting a premature denial for assistance because FEMA doesn’t want to wait for a letter of coverage from an insurance provider has only made things more complicated,” he said. “Requiring that FEMA wait until it has all the information it needs to make a comprehensive determination on an application only makes sense.”

Chu, who represents areas affected by the Eaton Fire in California, recalled hearing from residents in Altadena and northern Pasadena who received FEMA denial notices despite still waiting for their insurance claims to be processed. “In many of these cases, FEMA simply needed more information to process their application,” she said. “This bill will protect survivors against receiving premature denials and instead provide them with clarity so they can focus on healing and rebuilding without facing unnecessary stress and confusion.”

If passed, the Fair Disaster Assistance Act would prohibit FEMA from issuing denial notices to applicants with pending insurance claims, ensuring survivors are given a fair opportunity to access federal aid.

The bill has received bipartisan support and is expected to be considered in the House in the coming months.