HR 4497
Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025
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Bill overview
This bill changes the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to recognize ‘extreme heat’ as a qualifying event for a major disaster declaration. Currently, the law primarily focuses on disasters like floods and hurricanes. By adding ‘extreme heat’ to the list of qualifying disasters, the bill aims to allow for federal assistance to be provided to communities experiencing dangerous and prolonged heat waves. This would enable more resources to be directed to areas struggling with the impacts of extreme heat.
Key provisions
- Adds ‘extreme heat’ to the list of events that can trigger a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act.
- Specifically amends Section 102(2) of the Stafford Act.
- Allows for federal assistance to be provided to areas experiencing extreme heat events.
Who is affected
- State and local governments
- Communities experiencing extreme heat events
- Residents and vulnerable populations affected by extreme heat
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of ‘major disaster’ to include extreme heat.
- Creates a new pathway for federal disaster assistance related to heat.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] Norton
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 4497
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include extreme heat in the definition of a major disaster.
This Act may be cited as the Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025
.
Section 102(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(2)) is amended by inserting extreme heat,
before or drought
.