June 11, 2019
Lawmakers requested watchdog’s review amid evidence suggesting that the way natural disaster aid is distributed worsens inequalities in affected communities
GAO Agrees to Investigate Federal Disaster Aid Programs' Impact on Inequality
Lawmakers requested watchdog’s review amid evidence suggesting that the way natural disaster aid is distributed worsens inequalities in affected communities
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.),
Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, applauded the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) for agreeing to their April 2019 request to conduct a review of federal
disaster relief programs to determine the extent to which the structure and
administration of those programs exacerbate racial and socioeconomic inequities
in the United States and the extent to which they have a disparate impact on
tribal nations.
President Donald Trump recently signed a major bipartisan
disaster relief package that will help people across the country recover from
natural disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. The GAO
investigation will be helpful in understanding whether aid reaches the
communities that need it most after a disaster.
“This investigation will help policymakers learn more about the
racial and socioeconomic impact of federal disaster aid programs, so we can
ensure that federal efforts to rebuild after disasters benefit everyone who
needs help,” said Senator
Warren and Representative Thompson.
As climate change intensifies, scientists predict that the
number of extreme weather events taking place each year will increase. When
natural disasters strike, affected communities rely on the federal government
for emergency resources and disaster relief. However, 573 federally
recognized tribal governments in the United States are largely shut out of
federal funding intended to help communities meet minimum standards of
emergency preparedness developed by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire
Administration, and other authorities. According to a 2018 University of
Pittsburgh-Rice University study, natural disasters were associated with increased "wealth
inequality, especially along the lines of race, education, and
homeownership," and a National Public Radio analysis found that the federal aid that follows disasters
disproportionately benefits wealthier and whiter communities.
In their letter requesting the investigation, Senator Warren
and Chairman Thompson asked the GAO to address several questions, including:
- What key federal funding streams and programs are
available to help individuals recover from natural disasters?
- What type of data these agencies and programs collect
on the impact of these programs on various racial and socioeconomic
groups, and their impacts on tribal nations?
- What research is available on the long-term recovery
impact of those programs for different racial and socioeconomic groups,
and on tribal and non-tribal communities?
- What legislative, regulatory, and other policy changes
the federal government should consider to ensure that all communities
benefit equally from federal disaster relief programs?
The GAO has estimated staff will be available to initiate the
investigation later this year.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.),
Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, applauded the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) for agreeing to their April 2019 request to conduct a review of federal
disaster relief programs to determine the extent to which the structure and
administration of those programs exacerbate racial and socioeconomic inequities
in the United States and the extent to which they have a disparate impact on
tribal nations.
President Donald Trump recently signed a major bipartisan
disaster relief package that will help people across the country recover from
natural disasters, including hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. The GAO
investigation will be helpful in understanding whether aid reaches the
communities that need it most after a disaster.
“This investigation will help policymakers learn more about the
racial and socioeconomic impact of federal disaster aid programs, so we can
ensure that federal efforts to rebuild after disasters benefit everyone who
needs help,” said Senator
Warren and Representative Thompson.
As climate change intensifies, scientists predict that the
number of extreme weather events taking place each year will increase. When
natural disasters strike, affected communities rely on the federal government
for emergency resources and disaster relief. However, 573 federally
recognized tribal governments in the United States are largely shut out of
federal funding intended to help communities meet minimum standards of
emergency preparedness developed by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire
Administration, and other authorities. According to a 2018 University of
Pittsburgh-Rice University study, natural disasters were associated with increased "wealth
inequality, especially along the lines of race, education, and
homeownership," and a National Public Radio analysis found that the federal aid that follows disasters
disproportionately benefits wealthier and whiter communities.
In their letter requesting the investigation, Senator Warren
and Chairman Thompson asked the GAO to address several questions, including:
- What key federal funding streams and programs are available to help individuals recover from natural disasters?
- What type of data these agencies and programs collect on the impact of these programs on various racial and socioeconomic groups, and their impacts on tribal nations?
- What research is available on the long-term recovery impact of those programs for different racial and socioeconomic groups, and on tribal and non-tribal communities?
- What legislative, regulatory, and other policy changes the federal government should consider to ensure that all communities benefit equally from federal disaster relief programs?
The GAO has estimated staff will be available to initiate the
investigation later this year.
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