H.R. 5780 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Oct 17, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps disaster aid flowing during shutdowns
When the government runs out of funding and shuts down, FEMA usually has to stop spending money from its Disaster Relief Fund. This bill would let FEMA keep using money that was already appropriated before the shutdown to help people and communities affected by disasters. It would also require certain FEMA employees to keep working during a shutdown and protect them from being laid off because of the funding lapse.
How it affects you
If you're affected by a disaster and need emergency assistance, this bill means you could still receive help from FEMA even if the government has shut down. FEMA workers who handle disaster relief would also keep their jobs and continue getting paid during a shutdown, so the agency can respond without delays.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 17, 2025)
Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue using certain funds in the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown).
Specifically, FEMA must continue obligating and disbursing funds in the DRF that were appropriated before the lapse in appropriations and remain available to be expended. The funds may be used for any disaster relief, emergency assistance, and recovery program authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, including individual assistance, public assistance, and other disbursements and obligations for programs or activities necessary to protect life and property during a lapse in appropriations.
The bill also requires employees who are necessary to carry out these disbursements or related program activities to be treated as excepted employees under the Anti-Deficiency Act. (Excepted employees are required to work during a lapse in appropriations.) The bill also prohibits these employees from being subject to a furlough or a reduction in force due to a lapse in appropriations.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5780
A BILL
Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) · Introduced Oct 17, 2025 · Emergency Management · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Dec 1, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.”