Washington, D.C. - The House is considering a bill calling for a bipartisan commission to help guide the federal government in its national disaster response management. If H.R. 5891, the Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance Commission Act, is enacted, a 17-member panel (membership comprised of at least one independent agent) would be empowered to recommend to the lawmakers disaster management policies cost mitigation, and fraud reduction.
As a companion bill to the Commission on Natural Disaster Risk and Insurance Act, which was introduced this May in the Senate by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., H.R. 5891 was introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Fla., and was co-sponsored by nine representatives from both parties.
A summary released by Rep. Wasserman-Schultz's office explains that the measure seeks "to maximize private-sector participation" in the development of a national fund to help provide coverage for natural catastrophes. It also is designed to examine the role states should play in "stabilizing the property/casualty and reinsurance markets."
Source: Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz
