The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt (HELP) Response and Recovery Act, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). The legislation aims to improve disaster response and recovery by removing outdated federal restrictions that can delay efforts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“When a natural disaster strikes, communities in Louisiana and across the country expect the federal government and private sector to work together efficiently, without unnecessary roadblocks. By cutting outdated requirements that only get in the way of disaster recovery, our bipartisan HELP Response and Recovery Act would give overwhelmed communities the room they need to rebuild. I’m pleased to see the U.S. Senate pass my and Senator Peters’ bill, and hope the House of Representatives moves quickly to get it to President Trump’s desk,” said Kennedy.
“As natural disasters continue to affect communities across the nation, the federal government must be able to help those in need quickly and effectively. This bill would ensure that the Department of Homeland Security can streamline the process of helping disaster survivors rebuild their lives in the wake of these tragedies,” said Peters.
Currently, DHS policy automatically ends some emergency contracts after 150 days, which can disrupt cleanup, housing, and rebuilding operations while recovery is ongoing. The new legislation would allow such contracts to extend up to one year when necessary so that response work is not interrupted.
To safeguard public funds, DHS will be required under this bill to report back to Congress on how these changes improve efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent waste or abuse.
The Senate passed this measure on December 16, 2025. It now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives. The bill has backing from organizations including the International Association of Emergency Managers, Disaster Recovery Coalition of America, and National Emergency Management Association.
