The FEMA Critical Staffing Act requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use its appropriated funds to rehire employees who were involuntarily separated from the agency between January 20, 2025, and the bill's enactment date, with reinstatements to occur within 30 days. The bill also mandates that FEMA continue all congressionally authorized disaster preparedness and response programs, with specific direction to immediately restore the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and the flood mitigation assistance program. The legislation affects FEMA employees seeking reinstatement and communities that depend on FEMA's disaster preparation, response, and recovery services, particularly as climate-driven extreme weather events continue to impact the nation. No new funding is authorized by the bill; instead, it requires the agency to redirect existing appropriated funds toward staffing restoration and program continuation. The bill was introduced in August 2025 and referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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