Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6249
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-16T09:06:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act" (H.R. 6249) aims to expand federal disaster relief to include support for substance use and alcohol use disorders. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide crisis counseling services that address these issues following major disasters, recognizing that such problems can worsen after traumatic events.
Key Provisions
- Expansion of Crisis Counseling Program: Amends Section 416 of the Stafford Act to include "substance use" and "alcohol use" alongside mental health services in the crisis counseling assistance and training program. This covers short-term services to relieve suffering and training for organizations providing such aid.
- Review and Reporting by FEMA: Within 180 days of enactment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator must review, update, and report to Congress on changes to the program's application process and related guidance documents. This involves consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and state alcohol and drug agencies.
- GAO Review and Report: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must evaluate the crisis counseling program and submit a report to Congress detailing:
- The typical duration of assistance provided to individuals.
- FEMA's compliance with rules ensuring aid is limited to problems caused or worsened by a major disaster or its aftermath.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The amendments broaden the scope of Section 416 of the Stafford Act, which previously focused mainly on mental health. Now, it explicitly includes substance use and alcohol use disorders, allowing federal funds to support counseling and training for these issues in disaster response.
- Introduces mandatory reviews and reporting requirements to ensure the program's application and guidelines align with the expanded services, promoting accountability and proper implementation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: FEMA will need to update processes and coordinate with health agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), potentially increasing administrative workload but improving integrated disaster response. GAO oversight may lead to enhanced compliance monitoring.
- On Citizens: Disaster survivors facing substance or alcohol use issues could access more comprehensive federal support, reducing long-term health burdens and aiding recovery in affected communities.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic disaster relief.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Disaster Survivors and Communities: Primary beneficiaries, especially those with substance use or alcohol use disorders triggered or aggravated by disasters.
- Federal Agencies: FEMA (implementation and updates), SAMHSA and related offices (consultation and expertise), and GAO (oversight and reporting).
- State and Local Entities: State alcohol and drug agencies (involved in consultations) and organizations providing crisis services (expanded training opportunities).
- Congress: Receives reports to inform future funding and policy decisions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the Stafford Act's framework by integrating addiction services into disaster aid, ensuring federal assistance is targeted and compliant with existing limits on use (e.g., only for disaster-related issues). This could set precedents for broader health inclusions in emergency laws.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the federal government's role in disaster relief under the Commerce Clause and general welfare provisions, without raising significant federalism concerns as it involves coordination with states.
- Political: Highlights growing recognition of addiction as a public health crisis in disaster contexts, potentially influencing bipartisan support for mental health expansions. The reporting requirements add oversight, which could spark debates on program effectiveness and funding allocation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-11-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act — issued 2025-11-21 — PDF (3 pages)