U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell representing Mississippi's 4th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell representing Mississippi's 4th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mike Ezell and Congresswoman Laura Friedman have introduced the Don’t Penalize Victims Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure that donations from faith-based organizations, community fundraisers, and platforms like GoFundMe do not render disaster victims ineligible for FEMA benefits.
"Disaster victims shouldn’t have to choose between accepting help from their neighbors and receiving the federal assistance they desperately need," Ezell stated. He emphasized that current FEMA policies penalize those who receive aid from these sources. "The Don’t Penalize Victims Act ensures that private charitable support doesn’t count against federal disaster relief."
Chairman Sam Graves expressed his support for the legislation, acknowledging Ezell's leadership on reforming disaster assistance programs. "Americans who have been hit with disaster and are trying to rebuild their lives shouldn’t have to worry about the federal government coming to take back money that they’ve been provided to help them recover,” Graves said.
Friedman highlighted the challenges faced by disaster victims navigating complex rules for federal support. “At a time that they’re picking through the wreckage of their homes and livelihoods, disaster victims shouldn’t also have to be aware of complex rules just to get the federal support they deserve," she remarked.
The Don't Penalize Victims Act clarifies that financial assistance received from sources outside of insurance is not considered a duplication of benefits.
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