Beyer, Valadao Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Federal Flood Response and Resilience

U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and David Valadao (R-CA) today introduced the bipartisan National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act to establish a coordinated federal program to improve the understanding of flood risks, advance more effective mitigation and resilience measures, and reduce the loss of life and property caused by flooding. The legislation is modeled on the success of the bipartisan National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP), which brings together public and private sector partners to coordinate emergency response and supports the research, development, and implementation of lifesaving earthquake risk reduction and safety measures.

"Communities across the country, including here in Northern Virginia, have experienced firsthand how disruptive and destructive flooding can be - but these losses are not inevitable. We have the expertise and resources necessary to save lives and prevent severe damage," said Congressman Beyer. "Congress successfully established a coordinated federal program to reduce earthquake risk, and we should bring that same proven model to improve flood resilience. Our bill would strengthen coordination between the public and private sectors to ensure that our communities have the information and tools they need to prepare before the next flood."

"Central Valley families and farmers know firsthand the devastating impact flooding can have on our communities, like we saw when Tulare Lake flooded in 2023," said Congressman Valadao. "Instead of just reacting after a disaster strikes, it's important we take proactive steps to reduce damage before the next flood. I'm proud to join Rep. Beyer in introducing the bipartisan National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act to improve flood forecasting, strengthen infrastructure, promote better flood management and protections, and support federal coordination to help keep the Central Valley safe and resilient from these natural disasters."

The legislation would establish the National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Program to develop and promote the adoption of flood impact reduction and resilience measures through coordinated federal action and partnerships with state and local governments, academia, and the private sector. The Program's planning, management, and coordination would be overseen by the Interagency Coordinating Committee, chaired by the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers and including senior representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The bill would also establish an Advisory Committee on Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience including representatives from research and academic institutions, industry standards development organizations, and state and local governments. The Advisory Committee would be tasked with assessing trends and developments in the science and engineering of flood impact reduction and resilience and evaluating the effectiveness of the Program.

Full text of National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act bill is available here.