The Senate has completed work on their version of a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). The Senate operated under a different topline budget number than the House number, so many programs (mainly FEMA grants) saw reductions. With the end of the fiscal year looming on September 30, 2023, the future remains uncertain. Last week, the Administration submitted a $40 billion supplemental request, $12 billion of which is intended for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). All signs point to the need for a Continuing Resolution (CR) and House leadership is saying they do not want to extend beyond "early December." But with disagreement across aisles, chambers, branches of government, and even within parties, no clear path forward exists currently. Fortunately, even a short-term CR will allow FEMA to obtain a full year allocation for the DRF.
With appreciation to my NEMA counterpart, Matt Cowles, I have attached a memo he wrote that outlines the details of the Senate appropriations bill. Thank You, Matt!
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Thad Huguley
Government Affairs Director
IAEM
Falls Church VA
(615) 870-9316
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