Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have introduced the Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief (RIDER) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving federal relief efforts for communities affected by major disasters. The legislation seeks to amend current laws to better address the needs of disaster-struck areas.

"Texas is no stranger to natural disasters, and we must do more to ensure our communities can rebuild in times of need," said Sen. Cruz. "That’s why I’m focused on enhancing the disaster declaration process, ensuring Texans—from small towns and rural areas—can access the resources needed to restore our homes, businesses, and livelihoods. I am proud to partner with Senator Warren alongside Representatives Babin and Garamendi to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure no community is left behind in the wake of catastrophe."

Senator Warren emphasized the growing frequency of natural disasters due to climate change: "The growing climate crisis means natural disasters and emergencies are only going to become more common. Part of tackling the crisis head-on is making sure we’re ready to deliver critical relief to impacted communities when they need it most — the RIDER Act does exactly that."

Chief Nim Kidd from the Texas Division of Emergency Management also supported the initiative: "Texans are no strangers to natural disasters, and bureaucratic processes that must be endured to unlock federal assistance. The RIDER Act would enhance the flow of federal aid by cutting through the red tape of technicalities and subjective federal standards to ensure that Texans are able to receive the relief and resources needed to fully recover."

In addition, Representatives Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.-8) have introduced companion legislation in the House.

The RIDER Act aims at:

1. Improving disaster relief fund distribution by allowing all communities directly affected by a major disaster eligibility for federal relief regardless of county or state lines.

2. Enabling FEMA to declare major disasters based on cumulative damage over a 12-month period, addressing concerns that current regulations do not adequately account for cumulative impacts on regions.