Full Committee Markup

The committee on transportation infrastructure convenes to consider the fiscal year 2026 views and estimates, the FEMA Act of 2025 (HR 4669), and the Counter UAS Authority Security Safety and Reauthorization Act (HR 5061). The chairman outlines the committee's productive first eight months, including passing 27 bills and providing historic investments in the Coast Guard and air traffic control. Future plans include strengthening pipeline safety, reauthorizing the Federal Maritime Commission, and supporting clean water infrastructure.

Ranking Member Larson emphasizes the views and estimates as a starting point for future work, including drafting a new surface transportation bill and securing reauthorization for the Coast Guard and pipeline safety. He highlights the bipartisan nature of the report and urges support for the budget views and estimates, which are subsequently adopted.

HR 4669, the FEMA Act of 2025, is introduced for consideration. Chairman Graves presents an amendment in the nature of a substitute, detailing that the bill incorporates feedback from over 150 stakeholders to make common-sense reforms to the nation's emergency management system. Key reforms include elevating FEMA to a cabinet-level agency, streamlining public assistance through faster project-based grants, and improving permitting and procurement processes to accelerate rebuilding.

Ranking Member Larson supports the FEMA Act, emphasizing its bipartisan nature and the months of discussion and negotiation with colleagues and emergency management stakeholders. He highlights the bill's aim to strengthen and streamline national disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts, noting that 27 natural disasters in the past year caused over $1 billion in damages each. The legislation restores FEMA as an independent cabinet-level agency, gives states a stronger role in recovery, and cuts red tape.

Representative Webster details how the FEMA Act rewards states like Florida for disaster preparedness, notably by transforming the public assistance process from a bureaucratic reimbursement system to an expedited grant system. He also highlights a pilot program for flood-resistant home retrofits and the integration of the FEMA Loan and Interest Repayment Act. Representative Stanton underscores the bill's importance in rectifying past mistakes (like post-Katrina mismanagement) and ensuring FEMA's independence and efficiency. He mentions a universal application for disaster survivors, streamlined reimbursement, and incentives for state and local preparedness.

Representative Rouzer details provisions from the Duplication of Benefits Victim Relief Act and the State Managed Disaster Relief Act, which prevent charitable donations and SBA loans from being deemed duplicative for FEMA assistance, and creates lump-sum options for small disasters. Representative Huffman acknowledges the bipartisan effort but raises concerns about environmental review provisions that could create sweeping waivers under NEPA. Mississippi Representative highlights the ongoing struggles with FEMA 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the need for streamlined processes and accountability.

Representative Titus praises the FEMA Act for addressing FEMA's mismanagement, highlighting the inclusion of the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act (establishing a program for resilient home retrofits), and the Extreme Weather and Heat Modernization Act (directing FEMA to study slow-onset disasters like extreme heat). Representative King Hands emphasizes section 419, which addresses disaster response challenges faced by non-contiguous communities and the need for improved local staffing and workforce strategies.

Representative Kildee shares his community's prolonged wait for reimbursements after the 2020 Midland floods and welcomes the Rapid Disaster Relief Act's provision for expedited reimbursement timelines. Representative Figures stresses the deep personal connection to FEMA reform, especially for Gulf Coast communities affected by hurricanes, and advocates for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Act to ensure equitable funding for rural and economically distressed areas. Representative Mindy commends the bipartisan effort, highlighting the bill's focus on proactive disaster preparedness and the Smart Act, which requires FEMA to study the cost benefits of disaster mitigation.

The manager's amendment to HR 4669 is introduced, incorporating additional improvements, technical changes, and language to enhance fast-moving disaster response and examine mitigation investment effectiveness. Representative Gillan's amendment, which requires FEMA to study and provide recommendations on major flood resiliency investments for roadways, is included. Representative Poe introduces the Water Crisis Prevention Act, advocating for studies on preventing and responding to water infrastructure failures. Representative Wild emphasizes proactive mitigation efforts and the inclusion of her SMART Act, which requires FEMA to evaluate the effectiveness and cost savings of hazard mitigation activities.

Representative Hoy highlights the Power Act, included in the bill, which enables public power utility companies to make long-term resilient infrastructure improvements, cutting red tape. Representative Van Drew speaks on behalf of coastal communities, advocating for predictable formula programs for pre-disaster mitigation, faster approvals, and smarter financing for beach and dune projects. An amendment by Miss Norton regarding a plan to supply emergency drinking water to the nation's capital is withdrawn. An amendment by Mr. Carson, aimed at improving transparency by ensuring all members of Congress are notified about FEMA grants, is agreed to. The FEMA Act (HR 4669) as amended is then favorably reported to the House with a vote of 57 yays and 3 nays.

The Counter UAS Authority Security Safety and Reauthorization Act (HR 5061) is introduced. Chairman Graves presents an amendment in the nature of a substitute, highlighting the bill's bipartisan nature and its expansion of existing counter-UAS authorities for DHS, DOJ, DOT, and FAA. The act aims to equip federal agencies with necessary technology to handle unlawful drone operations, establishes counter-UAS training programs, and creates a state law enforcement pilot program. It also addresses counter-UAS efforts in airport environments for aviation safety and security.

Ranking Member Larson emphasizes the significant bipartisan effort across three committees (Transportation, Homeland Security, and Judiciary) to develop a comprehensive approach to integrating counter-UAS technologies. He notes the urgency as current authorities are set to expire, and highlights that the bill strikes a balance between aviation safety, national security, and civil liberties. Key provisions include extending authorities to 2030, establishing an FAA office for UAS efforts, directing agencies to create training requirements, and allowing state/local law enforcement to partner for UAS detection at critical sites and events.

Representative Stauber appreciates the expansion of counter-UAS authorities, recognizing drones as a growing threat for criminal activities and smuggling. He expresses concern that the pilot program's scope is too narrow (40 pilots for over 18,000 law enforcement agencies) and urges for broader responsiveness. Representative Nehls, a former sheriff, underscores the importance of empowering law enforcement with tools to address drone threats, highlighting the growth of UAS technology and the need for a robust framework, especially for critical infrastructure protection.

The manager's amendment for HR 5061 is introduced, containing technical edits and minor policy changes, including the inclusion of small hub airports in the definition of covered airports and allowing law enforcement to provide counter-UAS protection at other sporting events. Representative Burchett introduces an amendment to allow individuals to shoot down drones flying below 200 feet over their property with a legally obtained shotgun (subject to state laws), provided they report the registration number and return the drone. Ranking Member Larson opposes the amendment, citing concerns about enforcement, undefined state laws, and the potential for firearm discharge in urban areas. Other members debate the property rights aspect versus safety concerns.

Representative Burchett's amendment to allow citizens to shoot down drones is not agreed to with a vote of 26 yays and 34 nays. Subsequently, HR 5061, the Counter UAS Authority Security Safety and Reauthorization Act, as amended, is favorably reported to the House with a vote of 60 yays and 0 nays.

The chairman obtains unanimous consent for measures to be reported as single amendments, authorizes staff to make technical changes, and allows the chairman or his designate to offer necessary motions to go to conference with the Senate. The committee ensures all members have two calendar days to file supplemental views and confirms the presence of a quorum for all actions. The committee then stands adjourned.