RELEASE: Friedman’s Bipartisan Don’t Penalize Victims Act Fast-Tracked in Major FEMA Reform Package

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, September 3, 2025, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman’s (CA-30) bipartisan Don’t Penalize Victims Act has been included in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 — the most comprehensive overhaul of FEMA in decades.

Originally introduced by Reps. Friedman and Mike Ezell (MS-4), the Don’t Penalize Victims Act ensures that survivors of disasters who receive charitable aid from GoFundMe campaigns, faith-based organizations, or community fundraisers are not punished with a loss of federal disaster assistance.

The FEMA reform package, which was marked up in committee today and originally introduced by T&I Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), will fast track Friedman’s bill and grant critical relief for disaster victims.

“When disaster strikes, every dollar of help matters and survivors shouldn’t be punished for accepting support from their neighbors,” said U.S Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “I’m proud to see our bipartisan bill included in this critical reform package so that more families can recover with dignity and without delay.”

"I'm pleased that the Don’t Penalize Victims Act has been included in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s bipartisan FEMA reform legislation. This represents a meaningful victory for families who’ve already endured so much. I’ve spoken with people along the Coast who were unfairly penalized in the aftermath of disasters. Donations from local churches and other charitable groups are part of what makes our community resilient. When we come together to support one another, that generosity shouldn’t be punished. I’m encouraged to see this important measure make it into the broader FEMA reform package," said U.S. Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-4).

The bipartisan Don’t Penalize Victims Act:

• Clarifies that financial assistance received from sources outside of insurance, like GoFundMe campaigns or donations from faith-based organizations, are not considered a duplication of benefits.
• While Los Angelenos showed enormous generosity by donating physically and financially to their neighbors through charitable website like GoFundMe, outdated FEMA rules unfairly penalized survivors on the path to full recovery.
• The legislation is co-led by U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (MS-4).

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