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Promoting Resilient Buildings Act Aims to Strengthen Federal Disaster Grants
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Key points
- Representative James Gallagher introduced HR 10980 to modernize building standards and hazard mitigation grant programs under FEMA.
- The bill creates a pilot program allowing local governments to issue grants to residents for roof, flood, wind, and seismic upgrades.
- The proposal mirrors bipartisan Senate legislation S. 388, which advanced out of committee in September 2026.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers are pushing new legislation to help local property owners withstand natural disasters. Specifically, Representative James Gallagher introduced HR 10980 in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 10, 2026. The California Republican aims to modernize federal disaster standards. In addition, the bill gives local communities more flexible funding options.
What is the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act and who sponsored HR 10980?
Representative James Gallagher introduced HR 10980 on November 10, 2026, to update federal building standards. Subsequently, House leaders referred the measure to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. This bill amends federal disaster relief rules. As a result, it grants states and local governments updated flexibility when building or repairing homes.
Disaster mitigation policy often shapes how communities rebuild after major storms or fires. Because local building codes evolve continuously, federal rules sometimes fall behind modern engineering practices. However, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act addresses this gap by clarifying standards under federal emergency programs. Specifically, the legislation targets how federal agencies evaluate building codes for hazard resilience.
How would this FEMA building codes legislation affect local communities?
This FEMA building codes legislation would establish a direct grant pipeline for eligible property owners nationwide. Specifically, states and municipalities could receive federal funds to distribute directly to residents facing financial need. Therefore, local homeowners could complete critical safety retrofits before severe weather hits their neighborhoods.
The proposed legislation creates a Residential Retrofit and Resilience Pilot Program within existing hazard mitigation frameworks. Specifically, the program operates under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities structure. Under this plan, local governments can apply for federal grants. Then, they can distribute financial assistance directly to qualified residents. However, applicants must demonstrate financial need to receive state or local assistance.
Furthermore, FEMA could dedicate up to 10 percent of annual mitigation funds to support these local upgrades. The pilot program would launch within one year of enactment. Afterward, it would remain active through September 30, 2030. Eligible home improvements include several key upgrades:
- Roof replacements, hurricane straps, and structural wind tie-downs
- Floodproofing measures and home elevations in flood zones
- Storm shelters and specialized tornado safe rooms
- Seismic retrofitting for earthquake hazard areas
- Wildfire defensive space and fire-resistant structural retrofits
What predisaster hazard mitigation building codes would federal programs adopt?
Under the bill, predisaster hazard mitigation building codes would accept the two most recently published code editions. Consequently, this change ensures local governments can access federal mitigation funding more quickly. Specifically, communities will not wait for federal agencies to process minor administrative updates to national building standards.
the single most recent edition of building codes Because updating administrative rules takes time, state and local authorities often face bureaucratic delays. Instead, the bill defines standard building codes as the two most recent editions, which eliminates technical barriers. Consequently, local planning departments can enforce up-to-date regional safety standards. At the same time, they will not lose access to federal disaster resources.
What context surrounds this Stafford Disaster Relief Act amendment in Congress?
This Stafford Disaster Relief Act amendment builds on bipartisan momentum across both legislative chambers in Washington. Specifically, the measure updates foundational disaster law to balance federal oversight with local autonomy. Meanwhile, similar companion legislation has already advanced through key Senate committees with broad bipartisan support.
The House bill acts as a direct Stafford Disaster Relief Act amendment. Ultimately, it aims to reform long-standing emergency management procedures. Similar measures have also gained traction in past legislative sessions. For example, Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn and Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman introduced companion bill S. 388 on February 4, 2025. Subsequently, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs reported that bill favorably on September 15, 2026.
Currently, HR 10980 awaits committee review without cosponsors. Nevertheless, its alignment with Senate legislation improves its legislative prospects. By encouraging proactive investments, the legislation aims to lower long-term disaster recovery expenses for American taxpayers.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
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