Three members of Congress—two Democrats and one Republican—have introduced a bill directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess the long-term value and cost efficiency of its disaster mitigation programs.
House Resolution 4426 calls for FEMA to study how its initiatives affect insurance availability and pricing, reduce spending by federal and state agencies on disaster response, and improve local readiness.
The analysis would also measure financial returns and overall program performance.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA), Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ). Garamendi previously served as California’s insurance commissioner.
By studying the cost-benefit of FEMA’s mitigation programs, we are bringing greater transparency and accountability to FEMA and ensuring we see a real return on these investments
Rob Bresnahan Jr.
The proposal requires FEMA to deliver its findings to Congress within 18 months of the bill’s passage. It must also include improvement proposals and identify any legal or administrative actions needed to support them.
Garamendi stated the financial and public safety value of FEMA’s work.
FEMA’s critical natural disaster mitigation work helps protect communities from disasters before they happen and saves taxpayers’ dollars.
John Garamendi
“It remains one of the most cost-effective tools in our toolkit.”
Chad Berginnis, Executive Director and CEO of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, noted that evaluating FEMA’s impact—particularly through programs like the National Flood Insurance Program—often comes up in policy discussions on agency reform.
About FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a U.S. government agency under the Department of Homeland Security.
It coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts across the country, providing direct support to individuals, communities, and local governments affected by natural and man-made disasters.
FEMA’s responsibilities include:
- Allocating emergency funding and deploying personnel during declared disasters
- Administering disaster assistance programs for individuals, businesses, and municipalities
- Supporting preparedness initiatives through training, grants, and planning resources
- Managing hazard mitigation programs designed to reduce future disaster risks
- Overseeing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides insurance coverage and flood risk mapping
FEMA collaborates with state and local emergency management agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to streamline recovery and strengthen national resilience.
The agency plays a central role in both immediate crisis response and long-term hazard mitigation strategy.
Created in 1979, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. Its mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters.
