Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) is introducing legislation designed to simplify the procurement procedures of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
For additional context, as Rep. Steube explained, rebuilding efforts often make use of a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) project, which is when a construction manager is hired to oversee a rebuilding project.
Additionally, while FEMA provides funding for rebuilding, some states, such as Florida, require the qualifications of a CMAR-led project to be the primary factor, rather than pricing, as most states do, which can slow down or cancel the funding of these projects altogether.
Thus, Rep. Steube's Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act fixes the problem by allowing state and local governments to consider "qualifications" when using Construction Managers at Risk (CMAR) instead of only focusing on pricing.
Moreover, the bill raises the cap for "simplified procedure" projects from $1 million to $3 million.
"FEMA has a responsibility to work with local governments during times of crisis," the Florida Congressman said in a statement, adding that "the last thing survivors of natural disasters want to hear is that the federal government is standing in the way of their neighborhood rebuilding." The bill, he argues, "ensures FEMA is fully equipped to meet urgent needs on the local level in a swift and flexible manner."
In March, Steube introduced a bill requiring noncitizens, meaning lawful permanent residents, to present a green card and valid taxpayer requirements to receive FEMA aid. Asylees and refugees must similarly prove they are actively working toward receiving lawful permanent residence.
More recently, Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) introduced the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, which drastically reorganizes FEMA in several ways, including its reestablishment as an independent agency directly accountable to the President and under the management of an independent inspector general.
Other provisions include numerous measures to streamline permitting, assessments, and aid processes, while also saving taxpayer dollars. Other provisions are designed to maintain the agency's apolitical, transparent, and accountable nature.
