TESTIMONY: Disaster Assistance: Improving the Federal Approach
Description
GAO Director Chris Currie testified on March 25, 2025 before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure about how to improve the federal approach to disaster recovery.
In 2018, there were 14 disasters in the U.S. that caused more than $1 billion in damages. In 2024, there were 27. This increase has severely strained federal recovery efforts and highlighted recovery issues we've identified.
For example, more than 30 federal entities assist with recovery--with different programs and requirements. This fragmented approach makes it harder to navigate assistance programs.
In Feb. 2025, GAO added this subject to our High Risk List. We have about 60 additional recommendations for improvements in disaster assistance, fire management, and more.
In 2018, there were 14 disasters in the U.S. that caused more than $1 billion in damages. In 2024, there were 27. This increase has severely strained federal recovery efforts and highlighted recovery issues we've identified.
For example, more than 30 federal entities assist with recovery--with different programs and requirements. This fragmented approach makes it harder to navigate assistance programs.
In Feb. 2025, GAO added this subject to our High Risk List. We have about 60 additional recommendations for improvements in disaster assistance, fire management, and more.
Date: Mar 25, 2025
Runtime: 00:04:52
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