Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Alex Padilla have introduced the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act. This legislation aims to enhance temporary housing options for disaster victims post-storm by directing FEMA and HUD to construct disaster-resilient housing within 90 days. These structures could transition into affordable housing managed by local public housing authorities or programs, ensuring long-term use.

"We cannot leave disaster victims without a solid roof over their heads. There is a better way to provide more resilient and longer-lasting housing that allows communities to recover quickly," said Dr. Cassidy. "We must change the way we respond to these storms. That includes dedicating more resources to stable, resilient homes."

Senator Padilla added, "California communities know all too well the devastating impacts of wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding that often leave individuals and families without stable housing when they need it most." He emphasized that their bipartisan legislation "would help disaster survivors build back stronger by expanding disaster housing options, expediting assistance, and increasing long-term housing opportunities."

Currently, FEMA offers temporary solutions through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which provides mobile homes for up to 18 months. Cassidy’s bill would allow victims to transition into disaster-resilient single-family structures of four units or less, aligning with federal standards on permanent housing including flood management and natural disaster resilience.

Once disasters are resolved and victims return home, these properties could be transferred to local public housing agencies or private affordable housing programs for long-term use.

Previously this year, Senator Cassidy introduced two other bills aimed at improving federal responses to disasters: The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act proposes a predictable funding process based on recommendations from HUD's Office of the Inspector General and Government Accountability Office; while the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act suggests forming an independent board called the National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) to investigate major natural disasters nationwide.