Senate Passes Disaster Assistance Simplification Act to Streamline Federal Aid Access
The Senate passed the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, mandating FEMA to create a universal disaster assistance application to streamline access to federal aid for disaster survivors. The bill aims to simplify the current complex process involving multiple forms from different agencies.
Additionally, it requires that all data shared between FEMA and partner agencies comply with federal data security standards. In related news, the Defense Logistics Agency is delivering 101,000 pounds of turkey and other holiday foods to troops stationed abroad.
Starting January, some service members in the U.S. will see their cost-of-living allowances decrease due to updated rates by the Defense Department. The Senate Appropriations Committee proposed a draft bill for 2026 to add $40 million for FEMA staffing following significant staff reductions in 2025. The Pentagon is also addressing cyber readiness reporting, while the Trump administration has offered extra days off for federal employees around Christmas, with some exceptions.
