Duval Times

On May 31, 2024, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the administration to review and relax federal regulations that may hinder disaster recovery efforts as the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1.

“In times of disaster, Americans come together to overcome daunting challenges to rebuild and recover. A thoughtful assessment and revision of bureaucratic mandates that impede disaster recovery efforts is necessary to address victims’ health and safety needs effectively,” Rubio stated in his letter.

Rubio emphasized the need for streamlined efforts across federal agencies to ensure a robust response during disasters. He cited the previous year's hurricane season, which saw 20 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, as evidence of ongoing bureaucratic inefficiencies that must be addressed.

The senator outlined several specific recommendations for various federal departments:

- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should improve coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) during major disaster declarations.

- The DoD should rapidly repair damage to installations regularly impacted by natural disasters.

- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should ensure veterans in rural areas have access to medical services despite infrastructure challenges.

- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should consider temporarily lifting drone regulations during disaster declarations.

- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) should protect residents from unsafe living conditions post-disaster.

- The Department of Labor (DOL) should provide flexibility in business reporting requirements during emergencies.

- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) should delay filing deadlines when necessary and allow penalty-free early withdrawals from retirement accounts for disaster victims.

- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should expedite placing portable residences in storm-devastated areas.

- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) should adjust regulations for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program based on urgency levels.

- The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) should implement emergency permitting procedures for swift response.

Rubio concluded by requesting collaboration between his office, the State of Florida, and the administration to ease regulatory burdens associated with federal disaster relief that may require Congressional assistance.

“Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration on behalf of Floridians, and all Americans, who may be impacted during this year’s hurricane season,” Rubio wrote.