119-HR-4058 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 4058 Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act
H.R. 4058 would require FEMA to step up outreach and hands‑on help for two major homeland security grants (UASI and SHSP), run annual stakeholder surveys, publish summaries of the feedback, and be reviewed by GAO after two years; the House passed it 380–45 on November 19, 2025, and it now heads to the Senate.
Headline Summary
House-passed bill to make FEMA do more outreach and feedback-gathering for major homeland security grants, with outside review to check if it’s working.
What It Does
The bill tells FEMA to provide ongoing outreach, education, and technical assistance for cities, states, Tribes, and territories applying for two big preparedness programs—the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP). It requires annual surveys of these stakeholders, public summaries of what FEMA heard and how it used the input, and a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review two years after enactment. FEMA must also send Congress a follow‑up report three years after enactment.
Why It Matters
- Could make it easier for smaller or under-resourced communities to navigate complex grant rules and compete for funding.
- Regular feedback loops may lead to clearer guidance and more consistent, transparent award decisions over time.
- Independent GAO review creates a check on whether the new outreach actually helps, rather than just adding paperwork.
Who’s For It
- Bill sponsors: Rep. Daniel Goldman (NY) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS), with additional co‑sponsors including Rep. Hernandez and Rep. Green of Tennessee; they frame it as practical help for grant applicants and a way to hold FEMA accountable for using stakeholder feedback.
- A large bipartisan majority in the House: the bill passed 380–45 on November 19, 2025, signaling broad support for improving the process without changing funding formulas.
- Homeland security and emergency management stakeholders who want clearer guidance, hands‑on technical assistance, and more transparency in how awards are decided.
Who’s Against It
- 45 House members voted no. While individual statements vary, common concerns with process-focused bills like this include: adding bureaucracy and reporting requirements without boosting actual grant dollars; duplicating efforts FEMA already makes; or shifting staff time from core preparedness to surveys and paperwork.
- Skeptics also question whether mandated surveys will meaningfully change award outcomes or just document dissatisfaction.
What’s Next
As of November 20, 2025, the bill has passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate passes it (in identical form), it would go to the President for signature or veto. After enactment, GAO must report in two years, and FEMA must submit its follow‑up report in three years.
Discussion