This bill makes sure that disaster relief doesn't stop if the government shuts down in 2026. Normally, when Congress can't agree on a budget and the government closes, most federal agencies have to stop their work. But this bill says FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) can keep operating disaster relief programs even during a shutdown.

Here's what FEMA can keep doing with this money: helping people and communities that have experienced major disasters or emergencies, paying the salaries of FEMA workers who respond to disasters, and continuing to send money to communities that are already in the middle of recovery projects. Basically, if your house was damaged by a hurricane or flood, or your town is rebuilding after a disaster, those programs won't get cut off just because Congress is arguing about the budget.

There are limits on how this money can be used. FEMA can't spend it on things like new office supplies, creating new policies, or training that isn't related to disasters. The money is only available until either Congress passes a regular budget for that year or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a practical measure to make sure that people dealing with disaster recovery aren't caught in the middle of political budget disputes.

Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025

Moore, Tim

Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025This bill provides appropriations to continue certain disaster relief programs and activities during a government shutdown in FY2026.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for any period during FY2026 in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect (i.e., a government shutdown). The bill provides the appropriations for carrying out certain activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, including<ul><li>providing financial and operational support for declared major disasters and emergencies, including individual assistance, direct aid, and necessary life-saving and life-sustaining activities;</li><li>covering the salaries and expenses of essential FEMA personnel directly involved in disaster response, recovery, mitigation; and grant disbursement; and</li><li>continuing payments and grants for existing, federally-funded disaster recovery projects.</li></ul>The funds provided by this bill are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of specified appropriations legislation, or (2) January 1, 2027.The funds may not be used for or nonessential administrative functions, new policy development, or&nbsp;nondisaster-related training or travel.