Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025

This bill would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue spending previously appropriated money from the Disaster Relief Fund during a government shutdown. These funds would remain available for disaster relief, emergency assistance, and recovery programs necessary to protect life and property, such as individual and public assistance. Additionally, the bill would designate the employees responsible for these activities as excepted workers, requiring them to work during a lapse in appropriations and protecting them from furloughs or staffing reductions.

This bill affects Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees who are responsible for disaster relief disbursements, designating them as excepted employees required to work during government shutdowns. Individuals and communities eligible for assistance under the Stafford Act are also affected, as the bill ensures the continued obligation of Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) monies for life and property protection. Additionally, the legislation protects these specific FEMA personnel from furloughs or reductions in force during a lapse in appropriations.

• Mandatory use of Disaster Relief Fund during shutdowns. Requires FEMA to continue obligating and disbursing Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) balances that were appropriated prior to a lapse in government funding.
• Authorization of disaster assistance programs. Permits the use of available funds for individual assistance, public assistance, and other activities authorized under the Stafford Act that are necessary to protect life and property during a shutdown.
• Designation of excepted employees. Classifies personnel necessary for disaster fund disbursements and related program activities as excepted employees under the Anti-Deficiency Act, requiring them to continue working during a lapse in appropriations.
• Employment protections during funding lapses. Prohibits FEMA employees responsible for disaster relief disbursements from being subject to furloughs or reductions in force due to a government shutdown.

The bill authorizes the continued use of the Disaster Relief Fund for programs established under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Additionally, it designates personnel necessary for these activities as excepted employees under the Anti-Deficiency Act to ensure they remain on duty during a lapse in appropriations.

The bill aims to ensure the continuity of disaster relief operations by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue obligating and disbursing available Disaster Relief Fund resources during a government shutdown. It seeks to protect life and property by maintaining essential recovery programs and designating necessary personnel as excepted employees to prevent furloughs during a lapse in appropriations.