Rep. Moore Proposes Disaster Recovery Bill After Helene

Citing lessons learned from Hurricane Helene's impact on Western North Carolina, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore has introduced bipartisan legislation designed to improve coordination among federal agencies that provide disaster recovery assistance.

The HUD Disaster Information Improvement Act (H.R. 9992) would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a formal data-sharing agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat whose district has also experienced major wildfire disasters.

For residents across Rutherford, Polk, Burke and other Western North Carolina counties still recovering from Hurricane Helene, the proposal seeks to address one of the recurring frustrations following the storm: navigating multiple federal disaster assistance programs that often require separate applications and verification processes.

"In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it became clear that we need better coordination between agencies to get disaster assistance to communities faster," Moore said in a statement. "The GAO and HUD's Inspector General have identified serious challenges with data sharing, duplication-of-benefits determinations, and improper payments. This legislation strengthens transparency and coordination between agencies, helping reduce waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring disaster relief gets to folks more efficiently."

If enacted, the legislation would require HUD, FEMA and the SBA to share relevant disaster recovery data through a memorandum of understanding. HUD also would have to submit a report to Congress within 180 days detailing opportunities for increased collaboration and evaluating whether the enhanced information sharing has improved disaster recovery efforts.

Supporters say better coordination could reduce delays for disaster survivors while helping prevent duplicate benefits and improper payments.

Pettersen said communities recovering from disasters deserve a coordinated federal response.

"Our bill lays out a clearer path for how HUD can work seamlessly with FEMA and the SBA to support families and businesses when a disaster strikes," she said. "When Americans are facing their hardest moments, they deserve to know that their government is responsive and standing with them."

Moore represents North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, which includes Rutherford, Cleveland, Gaston and Burke counties, as well as parts of Polk and Mecklenburg counties. The district was among those heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread flooding, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and left many residents relying on federal disaster assistance as recovery continues.

The bill has been referred to a House committee, where it will be considered before any further action by Congress.