July 15, 2025
Ms. King-Hinds introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To study the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery in noncontiguous communities, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Understanding Noncontiguous Infrastructure and Threats Year-round Act
or the UNITY Act
.
Sec. 2. Improving disaster workforce retention in noncontiguous communities
(a) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of practices of the Agency relating to hiring, recruitment, and retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback from staff in such communities.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(1)
evaluate the recruitment strategies of the Agency and efforts of the Agency to broaden the pool of qualified local candidates;
(2)
prioritize input from communities in which there are the most severe staffing shortages; and
(3)
identify specific steps that the Agency can take to improve opportunities for staff in noncontiguous communities.
(c) Briefing
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
(d) Policies
The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations of the Agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted under subsection (a).
Sec. 3. GAO review of disaster response and recovery in noncontiguous communities
(a) In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities, with a particular focus on recovery efforts relating to damage caused by Super Typhoon Yutu, and compare such practices with the disaster response and recovery practices in contiguous communities.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall—
(1)
analyze ongoing recovery efforts from disasters that have impacted noncontiguous communities;
(2)
analyze the level of coordination between the Federal Departments and Agencies tasked with disaster response and recovery;
(3)
assess how effectively Federal agencies coordinate with State emergency management offices;
(4)
assess the effectiveness of the Area offices and Regional Advisory Councils of the Agency in assisting noncontiguous communities; and
(5)
make recommendations on how to improve the disaster response and recovery outcomes in noncontiguous communities.
(c) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).
Sec. 4. Preliminary damage assessment pilot program
(a) Establishment
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall establish a pilot program to implement new technology in carrying out a preliminary damage assessment in a noncontiguous community in which a major disaster has been declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
(b) Priority
In carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities are prioritized.
(c) Briefing
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the implementation of the pilot program established under subsection (a).
(d) Sunset
The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.