Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, also known as the "Stafford Act".

"Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended by Public Law 106-390, October 30, 2000," United States Code, Title 42. The Public Health and Welfare. Chapter 68. Disaster Relief. [As amended by Pub. L. 103-181, Pub. L. 103-337, and Pub. L. 106-390] (Pub. L. 106-390, October 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1552 - 1575).

"The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) authorizes the President to issue major disaster declarations that authorize federal agencies to provide assistance to states overwhelmed by disasters. Through executive orders, the President has delegated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsibility for administering the major provisions of the Stafford Act. Assistance authorized by the statute is available to individuals, families, state and local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations. Activities undertaken under authority of the Stafford Act are provided through funds appropriated to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Federal assistance supported by DRF money is used by states, localities, and certain non-profit organizations to provide mass care, restore damaged or destroyed facilities, clear debris, and aid individuals and families with uninsured needs, among other activities. In calendar year 2004, President [George W.] Bush issued 68 major disaster declarations; in calendar year 2005, 32 such declarations have been issued, including those for Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina."

Source: "Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding," Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress, Library of Congress, August 29, 2005.