Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota of Suffolk County announced the passage of his bipartisan and bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act in the House, marking a significant legislative achievement. The bill now awaits approval from the President to become law.

"This week, the House took a vital step to protect taxpayers and ensure disaster recovery efforts are efficient, transparent, and focused on helping communities in need," stated LaLota. "My bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act will strengthen oversight, prevent waste, and safeguard against fraud in the critical moments following natural disasters."

The act aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in disaster recovery with a focus on debris removal. It requires FEMA to form an advisory group that includes representatives from various governmental bodies and industry experts. This group will work to improve collaboration among stakeholders involved in post-disaster recovery.

Additionally, FEMA is tasked with conducting outreach and providing guidance to state, tribal, and local governments for better handling of debris removal contracts. This initiative prioritizes education and communication to enable swift response in disaster situations.

The act also instructs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the use of advance contracts for debris removal. This study will assess adoption rates by different levels of government and suggest improvements for oversight and fraud prevention.

By addressing these challenges, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act aims to bolster national disaster response capabilities.