SC New York News

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today announced the passage of the Think DIFFERENTLY About Emergencies Act in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill, which aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during natural disasters, received overwhelming approval from lawmakers.

In a statement, Rep. Molinaro highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, "Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be critically injured or die during natural disasters. My bill ensures no one is left behind by working to get them specialized support to safely evacuate and recover after a disaster strikes."

The initiative was sparked by a study presented at the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, which revealed that individuals with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of harm during emergency situations. With the increasing frequency of billion-dollar natural disasters in the United States, Rep. Molinaro took action to address this critical issue.

The Think DIFFERENTLY About Emergencies Act directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive report on the assistance and resources available to individuals with disabilities and their families affected by major disasters.

This marks Rep. Molinaro's third standalone bill to successfully pass the House, demonstrating his commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. He introduced the bill in collaboration with U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV-1), emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the legislation.

The passage of the Think DIFFERENTLY About Emergencies Act is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, including those with disabilities, during times of crisis. Rep. Molinaro's advocacy has garnered support from across the political spectrum, reflecting a united effort to address critical issues facing the most vulnerable members of society.