Disaster Assistance Simplification Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a web-based, interagency electronic information system to be known as DisasterAssistance.gov to provide for a universal disaster application across federal agencies. Specifically, such system shall facilitate a consolidated application for any form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency; carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in accordance with specified laws and privacy and data protections; and support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs. DisasterAssistance.gov shall permit (1) applicants to receive status updates and update disaster assistance information throughout their recovery, and (2) the distribution of additional recovery resource information to survivors that may be available in a disaster stricken jurisdiction. Further, it shall provide disaster survivors with information and documentation on applications. FEMA shall facilitate the collection of disaster assistance information into DisasterAssistance.gov only after (1) it certifies that the website substantially complies with specified data security standards and any other applicable federal information security policy, (2) the Department of Homeland Security publishes a privacy impact assessment, and (3) FEMA publishes standard rules of behavior for disaster assistance agencies and personnel to protect information from improper disclosure. FEMA may certify a federal agency as a disaster assistance agency after posting an agreement that contains the detailed terms of the agreement.
Sponsored bills
Post-Disaster Mental Health Response Act This bill authorizes the provision of professional counseling services to victims of declared emergencies (current law limits such authorization to victims of major disasters).
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2022 as "School Bus Safety Month" to raise public awareness about school bus safety. It encourages media outlets and social platforms to share free safety resources, recognize school bus operators and safety professionals, and promote safer driving near school buses. The resolution references statistics showing school buses transport over 26 million students annually and highlights the Child Safety Network's efforts in training operators and providing safety materials. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations but aims to foster community recognition of school bus safety efforts.
Gerald's Law Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies from a non-service-connected disability in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care).
Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2022 or the DISCLOSE Act of 2022 This bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosures of campaign expenditures, and requiring additional disclosures regarding certain political advertisements. Specifically, the bill expands existing foreign money prohibitions to include disbursements for paid web-based or digital communications and federal judicial nomination communications. It also prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda. The Government Accountability Office must, for each four-year election cycle, study and report on the incidence of illicit foreign money in federal elections. Next, the bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. Covered organizations (e.g., corporations, labor organizations, and political organizations) must, within 24 hours, file reports with the Federal Election Commission to disclose campaign expenditures of more than $10,000 during an election cycle. The bill also requires organizations to provide additional disclosures regarding political advertisements, including the donors who contributed the most money to that organization in the last year.
Extension of Authority to Acquire Innovative Commercial Items Act of 2022 This bill extends the pilot program for authority to acquire innovative commercial items using general solicitation procedures through FY2027. The bill raises the maximum value of a contract under the program from $10 million to $25 million.
Extension of Department of Homeland Security Other Transaction Authority Act of 2022 This bill extends through FY2024 the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a research and development projects pilot program.
National Service Animals Memorial Act This bill authorizes the National Service Animals Monument Corporation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate the heroic deeds and sacrifices of service animals and handlers of service animals in the United States. The corporation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of the expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. The establishment of the commemorative work shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work.
Maddy summarySRES 780 is a Senate resolution designating September 2022 as "National Workforce Development Month." It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the importance of workforce development programs. The resolution supports existing federal initiatives like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which helps workers gain skills through training, career pathways, and job placement services. It recognizes that these programs assist millions of people, including those with low incomes, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, by connecting them to employment opportunities.
Maddy summarySRES 771 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 19, 2022, as "National Stillbirth Prevention Day." It highlights that approximately 23,000 stillbirths occur annually in the U.S., with significant racial disparities affecting Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families. The resolution calls for increased awareness, evidence-based prevention efforts, and better data collection to address this crisis. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness activities and supports efforts to reduce stillbirths by 33% (though it does not create new laws or funding).