Departing HUD Leader Todman Urges Ongoing Disaster Aid in Senate Hearing

In a recent Senate hearing, the outgoing Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Adrianne Todman, made a compelling case for the continuation and expansion of disaster aid programs. Her testimony highlighted the critical role that HUD plays in disaster recovery and the urgent need for sustained federal support to address the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.

The Growing Need for Disaster Aid

Natural disasters have become more frequent and severe, with climate change exacerbating their impact. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experienced 22 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2020 alone, a record high. These events have devastating effects on communities, particularly those that are already vulnerable.

In her testimony, Todman emphasized the importance of disaster aid in rebuilding communities and supporting affected individuals. She noted that HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program has been instrumental in providing flexible funding to help communities recover from disasters.

Key Points from Todman’s Testimony

Todman outlined several key points during her testimony, urging lawmakers to consider the following:

• Increased Funding: Todman called for increased funding for disaster recovery programs to ensure that communities have the resources they need to rebuild and recover.
• Streamlined Processes: She advocated for streamlining the application and distribution processes for disaster aid to ensure that funds reach affected communities more quickly.
• Focus on Resilience: Todman emphasized the need for investments in resilience and mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of future disasters.
• Equity in Aid Distribution: She highlighted the importance of ensuring that disaster aid is distributed equitably, with a focus on supporting marginalized and underserved communities.

Case Studies: Successful Disaster Recovery Efforts

Todman pointed to several successful case studies where HUD’s disaster recovery efforts have made a significant impact:

• Hurricane Harvey (2017): In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, HUD provided over $5 billion in CDBG-DR funds to Texas, which were used to rebuild homes, infrastructure, and public facilities.
• California Wildfires (2018): HUD allocated $1 billion in disaster recovery funds to California to assist with housing recovery and infrastructure improvements following the devastating wildfires.
• Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria, 2017): HUD’s ongoing support has been crucial in Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts, with over $20 billion allocated to address housing and infrastructure needs.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Sustainable Disaster Aid

As Todman prepares to leave her role at HUD, she urged lawmakers to prioritize sustainable disaster aid policies. She stressed the importance of a proactive approach to disaster management, which includes:

• Investing in infrastructure improvements to withstand future disasters.
• Enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
• Promoting public awareness and preparedness initiatives.

Conclusion

Adrianne Todman’s testimony before the Senate serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of ongoing disaster aid. As natural disasters continue to pose significant challenges, it is imperative that federal support remains robust and adaptive. By increasing funding, streamlining processes, and focusing on resilience and equity, the U.S. can better prepare for and recover from future disasters. Todman’s insights provide a roadmap for policymakers to ensure that disaster aid is effective, equitable, and sustainable, ultimately safeguarding communities across the nation.