Support/Vote YES on the Disaster AID Act - FEMA Reform Bill

In the aftermath of the Texas floods and our increasingly unstable climate bringing severe weather, I’m writing to urge your support for Senator Peter Welch’s reform bill for FEMA called the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act. This legislation seeks to address the significant challenges faced by communities across the country during the long-term recovery process after major disasters. Many rural towns lack staff to process the paperwork required to access funds and expedite repairs or in one case, the relocation of a wastewater treatment facility. Although it does not address the Trump Administration’s antipathy towards FEMA, it’s an attempt to use the money and aid more effectively after a disaster. It does this, as I read it, by cutting red tape, providing technical assistance to small towns, expediting funding, and empowering state and local governments. It comes after real world, on the ground experiences of small Vermont towns devastated by the floods in 2023 and 2024 that have illuminated the need for such reforms. Despite the best efforts of FEMA personnel, many communities struggled with burdensome processes, lack of administrative capacity, and delays in accessing crucial federal funds needed to rebuild infrastructure and homes. This act would help streamline procedures, offer expert guidance tailored to local needs, and ensure a more timely flow of resources. By supporting this legislation, we can equip communities with the tools and support necessary to build back smarter and stronger after disasters strike. It represents a pragmatic approach informed by real-world challenges, reflecting a commitment to improving a system that has fallen short for too many hard-hit towns. Investing in these reforms is an investment in the resilience and preparedness of our communities against future climate-driven disaster. Please lend the bill your full support. Thank you for your service.