A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the FEMA for Safe Recovery Act. It directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue new regulations and guidance to prevent gender-based violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation after a disaster. The bill requires FEMA to consult with emergency management stakeholders, sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, and anti-trafficking organizations. It requires the President to ensure all FEMA employees are trained on how to identify, care for, and refer victims and survivors of these crimes. The legislation also amends case management services to include assistance to address gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, or human trafficking. Finally, the Act states that nothing in it shall require hiring additional permanent full-time employees or establishing new offices within the Agency.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +9
Would women be better off under this?
The bill contains specific measures to protect women from gender-based violence and provides essential supplies like feminine hygiene products.
- Scored +9
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
The bill significantly enhances FEMA's capabilities to protect vulnerable populations from violence and exploitation during disasters.
- Scored +8
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?
The bill specifically targets the prevention of gender-based violence and ensures women have equal opportunities to disclose and seek help.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(b)(1) requires the establishment of a joint Federal and local violence-fighting headquarters immediately after a natural disaster. This is positive because it ensures coordination between the Agency, Red Cross, State, city, and county entities, and local anti-violence specialists.
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Section 3(b)(3) revises check-in practices to include check-ins with all adult household members. This is positive because it ensures men and women have equal opportunities to disclose violence and seek help, rather than only talking to male heads of households.
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Section 3(b)(5) establishes protocols for a non-adjudicatory reporting mechanism to report criminal conduct, abuse, or exploitation by a landlord or temporary housing provider. This is positive because it prioritizes the individual's prompt relocation to safe alternative temporary housing and prompt referral to law enforcement or victim service providers with informed consent.
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Section 3(b)(7) develops model information materials and signage for disaster shelters and resource sites regarding available victim assistance resources. This is positive because it includes relevant hotlines and contact information made available in all appropriate languages.
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Section 4 requires all employees of the Agency to be trained on how to identify, care for, and refer victims and survivors of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, or human trafficking to related services. This is positive because it equips disaster workers with the knowledge to help vulnerable people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 6(b) states that this Act shall be carried out subject to the availability of appropriations. This could be considered a burden or negative if funding is not provided, meaning the intended protections and services might not be fully carried out for people in need.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — The bill contains specific measures to protect women from gender-based violence and provides essential supplies like feminine hygiene products. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides essential supplies and specialized assistance that can benefit low-income disaster survivors. Would children be better off under this? — The provision for baby formula assistance indirectly benefits infants and young children.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill specifically targets the prevention of gender-based violence and ensures women have equal opportunities to disclose and seek help. Does this make housing cost less? — The bill addresses the safety of temporary housing and provides mechanisms for victims to relocate if facing abuse by housing providers.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill significantly enhances FEMA's capabilities to protect vulnerable populations from violence and exploitation during disasters.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill includes provisions to evaluate post-disaster processes through the lens of emotional well-being and mental health needs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight by directing FEMA to issue new regulations and guidance.
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida