Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota's Disaster Contract Improvement Act has been signed into law, marking a significant step in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of disaster recovery efforts. The bipartisan legislation aims to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that recovery efforts are free from waste, fraud, and abuse.

LaLota expressed his pride in the bill's passage, stating, "I’m incredibly proud that my bipartisan, bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act has been signed into law. This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and that recovery efforts following natural disasters are free from waste, fraud, and abuse."

Rep. Chris Pappas highlighted the importance of readiness in post-disaster services: “When our communities get hit by extreme weather, it’s critical that post-disaster services are ready to respond and that needed goods and services to those affected are delivered.”

Sen. Rick Scott emphasized the necessity of careful spending during disaster response: “Our bill...will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts."

Sen. Gary Peters noted the significance of coordination between FEMA and disaster recovery partners: “By enhancing coordination between FEMA and our dedicated disaster recovery partners, we can make cleanup efforts more cost-effective and efficient."

The act mandates FEMA to establish an advisory working group with representatives from various governmental bodies and industry experts to streamline post-disaster recovery efforts. It also requires comprehensive outreach by FEMA to improve understanding of debris removal contracts among state, tribal, and local governments.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office is directed to study advance contracts for debris removal to enhance oversight and prevent misuse of funds.

This new law aims to strengthen national responses to natural disasters by addressing key challenges in disaster recovery.