WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) applauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) decision to reinstate of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, following months of sustained advocacy to preserve critical disaster mitigation funding for communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

"This reversal is a direct result of sustained pressure from members of Congress who refused to let this program disappear," said Rep. Bresnahan. "I've seen the detrimental long-term effect natural disasters can have on small towns and cities, and without the necessary resources, that effect only gets worse. From the moment FEMA announced BRIC's cancellation, I made it clear that walking away from disaster mitigation was the wrong call. I pushed back, raised concerns directly with FEMA, and I introduced legislation to protect this program because communities in NEPA and across the country depend on it. This decision is a step in the right direction, and I will keep fighting to make sure these resources are delivered where they're needed most."

FEMA first announced the termination of the BRIC program on April 4, 2025. Five days later, on April 9, 2025, Rep. Bresnahan sent a letter to the then-acting FEMA Administrator voicing his opposition to FEMA's cancellation of the program.

"In cases where communities cannot bear the full cost of property purchases, programs like BRIC are not wasteful, but well within the purview of federal coordination of disaster relief efforts," wrote Rep. Bresnahan. "The BRIC program has, and can continue to, support communities like those in my district. I urge you in the strongest possible manner to revive this program."

Rep. Bresnahan later introduced the Save BRIC Act with Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), legislation designed to ensure FEMA continues delivering BRIC funding to help states and local communities prepare for natural disasters and protect critical infrastructure.

Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District has experienced numerous flooding events over the last two decades. In May 2025, the Borough of Honesdale was hit with flash flooding. In September 2023, Luzerne County was hit by floods that caused $25 Million in damages and destroyed 459 properties. During storms in September 2011, the Susquehanna River crested at a record 42.66 feet and nearly breeched the levees in Wilkes Barre. Additionally, in 1972, Hurricane Agnes brought record rainfall and flooding to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses suffered an estimated $2 billion in damage from Hurricane Agnes.

FEMA and the BRIC Program operate under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been shut down since February 14, 2026.

"It is unacceptable that critical agencies like FEMA remain stalled while communities are waiting on disaster relief and preparedness funding," said Rep. Bresnahan. "For over a month, DHS employees have shown up to their jobs without the promise of a paycheck at the end of the week and agencies, like FEMA, lie dormant as they wait for a resurge in funding. Senate Democrats need to stop playing politics, reopen DHS immediately, and ensure these essential programs are fully operational."

Rep. Bresnahan's office is ready and able to work with local communities to ensure they receive the funding they are rightfully due. To contact the office, call (570) 763-6120, or visit Bresnahan.house.gov.

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