# Plain Language Summary: Office of Disaster Recovery Act

This bill creates a new government office dedicated specifically to helping communities recover economically after major disasters. Right now, disaster recovery responsibilities are scattered across different agencies and programs, which can make it harder for affected areas to get coordinated help rebuilding their economies. This bill establishes a single Office of Disaster Recovery within the Commerce Department to streamline that process and make sure disaster recovery gets focused attention from the federal government.

The office will handle economic recovery efforts after disasters like hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies that are officially declared by the federal government. It will coordinate with existing disaster relief programs and make sure that communities can access federal funding to rebuild businesses, create jobs, and restore their local economies. The bill also makes it easier for the Commerce Department to hire temporary staff quickly when disasters strike, since disaster recovery work is often urgent and time-sensitive. After two years of good performance, these temporary workers can become permanent federal employees.

One key change this bill makes is increasing federal funding for disaster recovery projects. Currently, communities typically have to contribute some of their own money to match federal disaster recovery grants. Under this bill, for projects responding to major declared disasters, the federal government would cover 100 percent of the costs instead of requiring local matching funds. This removes a financial barrier that can prevent struggling communities from accessing recovery assistance when they need it most. The bill essentially recognizes that after a major disaster, communities shouldn't have to choose between rebuilding and paying for other essential services.

Office of Disaster Recovery Act

Carter, Troy A.

Office of Disaster Recovery Act This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish an Office of Disaster Recovery. The office must direct and implement the Economic Development Administration's post-disaster economic recovery responsibilities and economic recovery support function activities as directed under the National Disaster Recovery Framework. Additionally, the bill increases the federal share for a project for economic recovery in response to a major disaster or emergency declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.