Contact Congress about S. 773: Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act

States, Tribes, and territories could reuse leftover disaster grant money after a grant closes. They could spend it on disaster management, readiness, or work that lowers future disaster risk. The bill adds no new federal money.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Latest action on S. 773: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects states, Tribes, territories, and other grant recipients that manage federal disaster aid. It could give them more flexibility after a disaster grant closes. It also affects the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which runs most Stafford Act disaster programs for the President. Congress and disaster officials would get new data from the Government Accountability Office study.

Why this matters: Disaster grants can leave management money unused after a project closes, even when governments still face disaster work. This bill could let that money support future readiness, recovery, and risk-reduction work instead of sitting unused. It could also encourage faster grant closeout because closing a grant may free up leftover management funds. The later watchdog report could shape future decisions about how much money should be set aside for managing disaster grants.

Key provisions in S. 773

• The bill creates a clear rule for leftover disaster management money. It means unspent management funds that remain when a disaster grant closes.
• The President could make that leftover money available again to the same grantee or subgrantee. This applies to Stafford Act sections for emergency work, mitigation, public repairs, debris removal, and emergency declarations.
• The reused money could help governments build disaster capacity. That includes work to prepare for, recover from, or reduce harm from major disasters or emergencies.
• The money could also pay management costs for other disaster-related programs. These include preparedness and mitigation programs allowed under Stafford Act sections 203, 204, 205, and 404.
• Once the money is made available again, it can be used for up to five years. After that window, the bill does not keep it open.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 773

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 773

What is S. 773?

States, Tribes, and territories could reuse leftover disaster grant money after a grant closes. They could spend it on disaster management, readiness, or work that lowers future disaster risk. The bill adds no new federal money.

How do I support or oppose S. 773?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 773?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 773 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.