This bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive study on critical data gaps faced by federal agencies distributing grants for Puerto Rico's recovery. This study, to be completed within one year of enactment, aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster-related grant allocation and management for the island. The report must include a detailed list of all grants provided for recovery from Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, the 2020 earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, specifying their type, amount, and associated disaster. It will also assess how statistical products are used throughout the grant process, from funding opportunity notices to technical assistance, and evaluate the most critical data needs identified by grant-awarding agencies. Furthermore, the study will describe how identified data gaps have hindered effective grant allocation, management, and evaluation, providing specific examples. It will also list federal statistical products that currently exclude Puerto Rico but could improve grant processes if the island were included, offering recommendations for their integration to enhance oversight and allocation.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Science, Technology, Communications
Data Improvement for Puerto Rico Recovery Act
USA119th CongressHR-5501| House
| Updated: 9/18/2025
This bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive study on critical data gaps faced by federal agencies distributing grants for Puerto Rico's recovery. This study, to be completed within one year of enactment, aims to enhance the effectiveness of disaster-related grant allocation and management for the island. The report must include a detailed list of all grants provided for recovery from Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, the 2020 earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, specifying their type, amount, and associated disaster. It will also assess how statistical products are used throughout the grant process, from funding opportunity notices to technical assistance, and evaluate the most critical data needs identified by grant-awarding agencies. Furthermore, the study will describe how identified data gaps have hindered effective grant allocation, management, and evaluation, providing specific examples. It will also list federal statistical products that currently exclude Puerto Rico but could improve grant processes if the island were included, offering recommendations for their integration to enhance oversight and allocation.