Bell Introduces CDBG-DR Automated Assessment Act Modernizing Disaster Recovery and Improving Federal Response

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) introduced the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Automated Assessment Act, "CDBG AAA," which seeks to improve how the federal government identifies and addresses unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs after major disasters.

"Communities recovering from natural disasters deserve a recovery process that is timely, transparent, and responsive to their actual needs," said Rep. Bell. "Far too often, communities are forced to rebuild while the federal government is working with outdated or incomplete information. This bill ensures recovery gaps are identified early and continuously assessed so communities can access the support and resources they need to rebuild stronger and faster."

The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct ongoing assessments of disaster-impacted communities to ensure federal recovery resources align with their evolving needs.

Under the bill, HUD must submit reports to Congress within 60 days of a presidential major disaster declaration and provide quarterly updates identifying unmet needs that could be addressed through CDBG-DR funding and related federal programs.

Current federal disaster recovery systems often rely on one-time or delayed assessments that do not reflect how housing shortages, infrastructure damage, and economic challenges change over time. This legislation aims to establish a more proactive, data-driven recovery process that enhances coordination and accountability across federal programs to better assist our communities recovering after a disaster.

The introduction of this bill builds on Rep. Bell's broader efforts to strengthen and modernize the federal government's disaster relief and recovery response. This May, he introduced the Tornado Preparedness Act to improve the nation's ability to detect, forecast, and respond to tornadoes, and to strengthen community resilience in high-risk areas.

After the devastating tornadoes in Missouri last year, Rep. Bell worked to hold the Trump Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable, and ensure families received necessary assistance. In October 2025, he introduced the FEMA Operations Continuity Act to ensure FEMA can continue providing disaster relief during lapses in government funding. In February 2026, he introduced the FEMA Accountability Act, requiring FEMA to publicly report monthly on disaster relief fund expenditures.​

Rep. Bell continues to pursue legislative solutions to modernize disaster recovery and ensure all St. Louisans can access assistance without unnecessary barriers when disaster strikes.

Read the full bill text here.