Hinson, Scott Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral SBA Disaster Transparency Act

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) introduced the bipartisan SBA Disaster Transparency Act alongside Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), and ten other bipartisan cosponsors. This bicameral legislation requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publicly report on its Disaster Loan Account—just as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does for its Disaster Relief Fund. This pivotal legislation supports small businesses and homeowners recovering from disaster, improves federal disaster relief spending accountability, and ensures Congress has real-time data to make informed decisions.
 
“The last thing anyone needs amid the stress of disaster recovery are confusing, bureaucratic roadblocks," said Rep. Hinson. "This commonsense bill will improve transparency and streamline recovery efforts through the SBA, ensuring more Americans can access critical relief funds when they need them most. I am grateful for Senator Tim Scott’s leadership on this commonsense initiative, and I look forward to working with President Trump to improve disaster response and preparedness as Americans and Iowans recover from recent natural disasters.”
 
“When I surveyed the devastation from Hurricane Helene, I knew the road to recovery would be long and difficult, but that South Carolinians are resilient,” said Senator Tim Scott. “The SBA Disaster Transparency Act makes simple but necessary reforms to the Disaster Loan Account that will provide increased transparency and ensure Congress is able to act before it’s too late. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. I remain committed to working on lasting solutions with President Trump and Congress to ensure we have effective, top-of-the-line disaster response efforts in place.”
 
“Transparency is crucial to ensure disaster relief programs work effectively,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “Timely assistance is a lifeline for survivors, and we cannot allow delays due to lapses in funding. I’m committed to working across the aisle to make these changes and ensure our communities get the support they need when disaster strikes.”
 
Background:

Since 2015, FEMA has publicly reported on the status of its Disaster Relief Fund. Unlike FEMA, the SBA does not provide the same level of transparency for its Disaster Loan Account. Specifically, this legislation will: 

• Require monthly public reporting from the SBA on the Disaster Loan Account’s balance, obligations, and projections.
• Improve oversight by allowing Congress and the public to gain real-time insight into SBA’s disaster loan funding levels.
• Enhance disaster preparedness, ensuring that funds remain available when businesses and homeowners need them most.
• Align SBA with FEMA’s established transparency model. 

Original co-sponsors in the House are Representatives Salud Carbajal, Byron Donalds, Norma Torres, Chuck Edwards, Neal Dunn, Scott DesJarlais, Daniel Webster, Vern Buchanan, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Hal Rogers, and Tim Moore.

Full bill text can be found here.