Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters have commended the passing of the bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act, a bill aimed at improving the disaster contracting process and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse following natural disasters.

The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Scott, Peters, and Jacky Rosen, seeks to protect victims of natural disasters by ensuring that post-disaster services are delivered promptly and that taxpayer dollars are used solely for the purpose of aiding impacted communities. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act was approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee earlier this year.

Speaking about the bill, Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters and the need to prevent waste and abuse in the aftermath. He said, "Florida is no stranger to natural disasters. But thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud, and abuse following storms. It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer. My bill, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act, will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers."

The Disaster Contract Improvement Act includes several key provisions to enhance oversight and accountability in the disaster contracting process. These provisions include the establishment of an advisory working group consisting of representatives from various government agencies and subject matter experts. The group will oversee debris removal and ensure that contracts entered into under the public assistance grant program adhere to guidance and procedures developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the FEMA Administrator, in collaboration with the advisory working group, develop and implement guidance and procedures for the oversight and costs associated with debris removal contracts. The Administrator will also conduct training and outreach to state, tribal, and local governments to ensure they are well-informed about the new guidance.

Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will be directed to conduct a study on the Debris Removal Advance Contracting process to improve oversight and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse across the entire system.

In conclusion, the passing of the Disaster Contract Improvement Act marks a significant step towards mitigating waste, fraud, and abuse in the aftermath of natural disasters. Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters, along with their co-sponsor Senator Jacky Rosen, have played a pivotal role in ensuring the protection of victims and the efficient allocation of taxpayer funds.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-rick-scott-and-gary-peters-applaud-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-mitigate-waste-fraud-and-abuse-following-natural-disasters