Representative Mannion (NY-22) Introduces 'Restarting Education After Disasters' Act to Help Schools Reopen and Recover

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today introduced the Restarting Education After Disasters Act, legislation to strengthen federal support for communities with schools forced to close due to natural disasters and severe weather.

The legislation is inspired by the experience of students, families, educators, and school workers in the Oneida City School District, where the high school was closed for months following severe flood damageThe legislation is co-led by Representative Troy Carter (LA-2) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28).

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, "As an educator for almost thirty years, I know that kids learn best in person, with stability, structure, and as little disruption as possible. What students, teachers, and families in Oneida experienced made clear that when disasters shut down schools, the consequences are felt far beyond the building. This bill is about making sure schools have the resources they need to reopen and recover quickly."

Representative Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) said, "After a disaster, it's imperative that we prioritize getting our students back into classrooms. This bill ensures schools aren't left behind simply because a disaster didn't receive a federal declaration. By reauthorizing and strengthening the Restart program with reliable funding, expanded eligibility, and clear authority to address urgent facility repairs, this bill gives states and schools the tools they need to recover faster and smarter. When schools are forced to close for weeks or months, students pay the price-and this legislation ensures federal support is there when it's needed most."

Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) said, "I'm happy to join Reps. Mannion and Carter in introducing this legislation to provide an annual source of emergency relief funding for K-12 schools. The Department of Education's Restart program is essential to helping schools reopen after disasters. But currently, Restart only receives one-time funding through specific disaster supplementals," said Rep. Chu. "One year after the Eaton Fire devastated my district in Southern California, killing 19 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures including multiple schools, our community still hasn't received a federal disaster supplemental. By providing annual funding for the Restart program, the Restarting Education After Disasters Act would ensure schools in my district and around the country don't have to wait on a disaster supplemental to receive vital relief."

Matthew T. Carpenter, Superintendent of Oneida City School District said, "Oneida City School District experienced extreme flooding forcing the closure of our high school. Had this legislation been in place prior to this event, additional federal resources could have helped accelerate our recovery and reduce the disruption experienced by our students, families, teachers, and school staff. We are grateful to Congressman Mannion for his consistent support throughout this process, including his assistance in securing critical USDA grant funding. Oneida's experience shows why schools need timely, flexible disaster recovery support, and we hope the lessons learned here help improve outcomes for school communities across the country."

The Restarting Education After Disasters Act reauthorizes and improves the U.S. Department of Education's Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (Restart)Program. The legislation would authorize multi-year funding, available until expended, for the Restart Program, ensuring predictable and timely assistance to affected schools.

Importantly, the bill expands eligibility to include schools impacted by state-declared disasters, not just federally declared emergencies-addressing the gap that left Oneida students and educators without access to critical federal support. Although New York State issued a disaster declaration, the absence of a federal declaration left the district ineligible for FEMA assistance and other federal recovery resources-placing significant financial and operational strain on the local community.

The legislation also ensures that Restart funds can be used for facility and equipment repairs and minor renovations, helping schools pay for urgent infrastructure needs. In addition, it prioritizes assistance for schools closed for 30 days or more, directing resources to communities facing the most severe disruptions.

Congressman Mannion will visit students in Oneida during their first week back in the building, following a prolonged and difficult period of remote and hybrid learning. His visit will underscore the educational and emotional toll that extended school closures take on students, families, teachers, and school staff-and the importance of getting students back into classrooms as quickly and safely as possible.

Schools across the country are facing increasing disruptions from floods, fires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. The Restarting Education After Disasters Act ensures federal education recovery funding is reliable, equitable, and responsive.

The Restarting Education After Disasters Act is endorsed by: New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Build America's School Infrastructure Coalition (BASIC).

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