WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.), along with Representatives Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Carlos Gimenez (R-F.L.), and Buddy Carter (R-G.A.), recently introduced The Disaster Relief Transparency Act to increase government accountability in the allocation of disaster relief funds.

This legislation requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to submit a Congressional report explaining their methodology for determining the allocation of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funds, explaining why the methodology may result in differing allocations to grantees, and providing legislative and administration recommendations for improving consistency and timeliness of allocations. 

The legislation requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a Congressional report providing data on Individual Assistance and the Individual and Households Program over the past 5 years and explaining any factors that may be causing an increase in denial rates for FEMA assistance. 

“South Carolinians continue to rely on federal disaster relief funds to aid in recovery efforts from our many storms and floods. When Congress appropriates disaster funding, we need to be sure that these funds are being allocated properly and timely. For those who need assistance, every day counts, but the disaster grant process can take years,” said Congressman Rice. “The Disaster Relief Transparency Act will keep HUD and FEMA accountable to the taxpayers. This legislation ensures the agencies are acting in good faith to deliver disaster funds to the places that have demonstrated a need for help. We must improve the consistency, timeliness, and reporting methods of funding allocations to ensure South Carolina receives every dollar of rightfully owed disaster relief funding.”

“I was sent to Congress to protect the Lowcountry, which means holding our federal agencies accountable for how they allocate money to help with recoveries,” said Congresswoman Mace. “I’m cosponsoring this bill with Congressman Tom Rice to ensure South Carolina gets the resources they deserve when disaster strikes.”

“We’ve faced devastating hurricanes and storms in the First District of Georgia,” said Congressman Carter. “Following these horrible weather events, there are many who need disaster assistance, especially Individual Assistance. Unfortunately, it’s never an easy process and I understand how hard it is for constituents to seek relief when they need it the most. This bill will bring transparency to improve the program so those impacted are able to get the help they need.”

Read the bill text here.