Cruz, Warren, Babin, Garamendi Introduce Bipartisan RIDER Act to Improve Federal Assistance to Communities Recovering from Major Disasters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced the Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief (RIDER) Act to improve access to and delivery of federal relief to disaster-struck communities. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would amend existing law to better address the on-the-ground experiences of communities affected by major disasters.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Texas is no stranger to natural disasters, and we must do more to ensure our communities can rebuild in times of need. That’s why I’m focused on enhancing the disaster declaration process, ensuring Texans—from small towns and rural areas—can access the resources needed to restore our homes, businesses, and livelihoods. I am proud to partner with Senator Warren alongside Representatives Babin and Garamendi to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure no community is left behind in the wake of catastrophe.”

Sen. Warren, “The growing climate crisis means natural disasters and emergencies are only going to become more common. Part of tackling the crisis head on is making sure we’re ready to deliver critical relief to impacted communities when they need it most — the RIDER Act does exactly that.”

Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Division of Emergency Management said, “Texans are no strangers to natural disasters, and bureaucratic processes that must be endured to unlock federal assistance. The RIDER Act would enhance the flow of federal aid, by cutting through the red tape of technicalities and subjective federal standards to ensure that Texans are able to receive the relief and resources needed to fully recover.”

Reps. Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND

The RIDER Act will:

• Improve the distribution of disaster relief funds by allowing all communities directly affected by a major disaster to be eligible for federal relief, regardless of county or state lines.

• Enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to declare major disasters based on cumulative damage to a community over a 12-month period, addressing concerns that existing federal regulations do not sufficiently account for the impact of cumulative disasters on a region.

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